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Akinwande Soji-Ojo
Operatives of the Intelligence Bureau, Oyo State Police Command, have been accused of negligence after a suspect, Sola Adeoye, allegedly jumped bail.
Adeoye was accused of stealing a Highlander SUV belonging to one Mr Akinwunmi Fowora of Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, in 2023.
Fowora, in a petition addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11 Command, Osogbo, Osun State, by his counsel, S.B. Fiola Esq, said the case was reported at the Oyo State Police Command headquartees in 2023, adding that the police promised to investigate and arrest the culprits.
According to Fiola, the prime suspect, Adeoye, through the assistance of the complainant, Fowora, was arrested in Ogun State. The lawyer said the suspect was subsequently tranferred from Ogun State Police Command to Oyo State Police Command.
“The suspect was moved to Oyo State Police Command headquarters, Ibadan, where his statement was taken. Besides, his accomplice, Messr. Kehinde Adenle, was also arrested and detained at the Police headquarters for some days, after which their bail was secured.
“However, the prime suspect, Sola Adeoye, was instructed to report back on the 17th of July, 2023 for a crucial meeting with the complainant and his lawyer.
“At the time he reported at the Police headquarters for the meeting, the complainant and his lawyer were on their way. But to the chagrin of our client, the prime suspect, Sola Adeoye, escaped from the Police headquarters in Eleyele, after spending about 30 minutes with the officers waiting for us,” the counsel said.
Th lawyer noted that the purpose of the meeting was to see if the matter could be settled out of court.
“At the end of the day, the officers at the Intelligence Bureau only charged one Mr. Kehinde Adenle, an accomplice to court without the prime suspect or his surety.
“The matter was tagged number: MT/671/C2023, COP vs Adenle Kehinde at lyaganku Magistrate Court, Ibadan, Oyo State.
“The proceedings in the matter had taken place twice without the IPO in attendance, thus stalling proceedings.
“The prime suspect that escaped has not been apprehended by the police till today,” Fiola said.
The lawyer appealed to the AIG to investigate the matter, with a view to apprehending the prime suspect, Adeoye, who has been at large due to the negligence of the officers in charge.
“Please, kindly use your office to investigate this matter thoroughly and invite the concerned police officers at the Intelligence Bureau, Oyo State Police Command headquarters, Ibadan,
“We appreciate all efforts being made to curb crimes in our society,” the petition added.