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Senator Kola Balogun has written a letter to the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, calling for a thorough investigation into the death of Oyo State-born Timothy Adegoke.
The late Adegoke was a Master’s student at Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile Ife before his death. He died in controversial circumstances in his room at the Hilton Hotel and Resorts, Ile Ife, on November 5, 2021.
According to a statement by his media aide, Dapo Falade, Balogun, in the letter dated November 21, 2021, called on IGP to institute a thorough and deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding Adegoke’s death, with a view to unveiling the perpetrators of the heinous crime.
Balogun, representing Oyo South Senatorial District, recalled that Adegoke until his death worked in Abuja from where he had travelled to Ile Ife on November 5, to write and examination at OAU distance learning centre.
Balogun, who is the Vice Chairman, Senate Committee on Sport and Youth Development, further said the deceased was married with three children and survived by both parents.
“He lodged at the Hilton Hotel and Resorts owned by Dr. Rahmon Adedoyin, the founder of Oduduwa University, Ile Ife. We are reliably informed that he had always lodged in the same hotel each time he travelled to Ile Ife for his MBA programme.
“In the first instance, I wish to register my profound initial relief occasioned by the swift and professional manner with which the men of Osun State Police Command had swung into action as soon as the report of the gruesome murder got to them.
“I also wish to place on record my satisfaction with which the suspects were apprehended following their preliminary investigations. This is the only way to ensure justice is done on all criminal matters
“Without the efforts of the police, the manner of his death would have been difficult to unearth. This is quite commendable.
“At the same time, I wish to implore the Inspector General of Police that the instant case should not be allowed to be swept under the carpet as usual after the public coverage of the matter has gone down
“This is more, particularly when the fingered principal suspect is a VIP in the city of Ile Ife and Nigeria and also armed with all the wherewithal to murder the case and denty us the much desired justice.
“The late Timothy Adegoke was the only breadwinner of the family, an enterprising young man with a brilliant future who was cut down in the prime of his youth.
“The family of the deceased, the people of Eruwa and Oyo State in general demand for justice which can only be achieved through professional investigation into the incidence, diligent and God-fearing prosecution by the men of the Nigeria Police Force.
“I personally believe in your competence, expertise and ability to achieve this through your good offices. As your good self know, this requires close monitoring and supervision of the men of the force to who the case is assigned from time to time.
“On behalf of myself, the family of the deceased, the people of Eruwa, the people and government of Oyo State and all users of hotels in Nigeria, I, once again, implore you to please ensure that the public is appraised with regular updates on the matter till the final conclusion of the case in the appropriate court of law,” the letter read in part.