Osun Governor Announces Arrest, Prosecution of Anti-Kidnapping Squad Head Over Attempted Murder
Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has confirmed the immediate arrest and prosecution of Moses Lohor, the Head of the Police Anti-Kidnapping Squad in the state, along with members of his team, for alleged attempted murder.
This development was disclosed by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Security, Samuel Ojo, in a statement by Olawale Rasheed, the spokesperson to Governor Adeleke, following a closed-door meeting with the Governor and the State Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Umar Abba.
The crisis began when operatives of the Osun State Police Command Anti-Kidnapping Squad, led by Moses Lohor, allegedly shot Wakeel Nurudeen Iyanda Alowonle, Chairman of the Osun State Transport Management System, on Monday night.
The police claimed that Alowonle was shot after reportedly attempting to escape arrest, following the discovery of a pistol and ammunition in his car.
However, the state government, through a statement issued on Tuesday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, alleged that Alowonle’s shooting was a case of suspected murder.
The government further revealed on Wednesday that Lohor had allegedly shot Alowonle in the abdomen at the police station after his arrest over a domestic dispute with a neighbor. The park chairman is currently on life support in the Intensive Care Unit of the Osun State Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.
Samuel Ojo stated that police authorities regarded Moses Lohor’s actions as “unprofessional, illegal, unauthorized, and against operational codes.”
He added that Lohor and his team had been transferred to Abuja earlier on Wednesday for further investigation and prosecution.
“We can confirm that the police authorities at the highest level have acted decisively on this matter. A clear punitive directive was issued by the Inspector General of Police,” Ojo said. “Mr. Governor has directed that we follow up to ensure justice is served.”
This incident has sparked widespread condemnation, with many calling for accountability within the police force and transparency in the ongoing investigation.
