Police Assure Transparency, Rule of Law in Osogbo Shooting Investigation

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Police Assure Transparency, Rule of Law in Osogbo Shooting Investigation

By Waliu Adetokun, Osogbo

The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has assured the public that a thorough and transparent investigation is underway into the shooting incident in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo which led to the death of a citizen.

The assurance was contained in a statement issued on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, on behalf of the Inspector General of Police.

The police acknowledged the public concern generated by the incident and the recent reaction from the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), noting that while the Customs Service has statutory responsibilities in anti-smuggling operations, the protection of human life remains paramount.

“The Nigeria Police Force acknowledges the ongoing public interest and the recent statement by the Nigeria Customs Service regarding the unfortunate shooting incident in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State, which resulted in the loss of a citizen’s life,” the statement said.

According to the police, the Inspector General of Police has taken note of the Customs Service’s request for a harmonised investigation into the incident.

“To this end, the NPF assures our sister agency and the public that the investigation, currently led by the State Criminal Investigation Department in Osun State, will be conducted with the highest level of forensic diligence,” the statement added.

The police further disclosed that two suspects, Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, are currently in custody as part of the ongoing investigation.

“The suspects, Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, remain in police custody to facilitate a transparent inquiry,” the police stated.

The statement also revealed that exhibits recovered in connection with the incident, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024 and 9mm ballistic evidence, are undergoing specialised forensic analysis.

The police explained that the analysis would help investigators align the evidence with the operational Rules of Engagement.

While addressing concerns about possible rivalry between security agencies, the Force emphasised that the relationship between the police and the Customs Service remains professional.

“The NPF and NCS maintain a robust professional relationship. This incident is being treated as a matter of individual professional accountability,” the statement said.

The police urged members of the public to avoid sensationalising the incident as a conflict between the two agencies.

“We urge the public to refrain from sensationalising the event as a conflict between agencies.

Both the NPF and NCS are united in the pursuit of justice for the deceased,” the statement added.

The Force also extended condolences to the family of the victim and assured that the outcome of the investigation would uphold the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria