The Inspector-General of Police, IGP M.A Adamu has deployed additional investigative aids to Oyo State to complement the efforts of the Oyo State Police Command in the ongoing manhunt and efforts aimed at re-arresting Sunday Shodipe, a prime suspect in the multiple murder of innocent citizens at Akinyele LGA, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State.
The additional deployment comprises crack detectives from the Intelligence Response Team (IRT) and the Special Tactical Squad (STS) of the Force Intelligence Bureau, Abuja.
The team is expected to bring their vast operational, technical and investigative experience to bear in supporting ongoing efforts aimed at re-arresting and bringing the fugitive to book.
While condemning the unfortunate escape of the suspect from lawful custody, the IGP directed the Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command to intensify efforts and ensure the prompt re-arrest of the fleeing suspect.
The CP has also been directed to speed up investigations into the circumstances that led to the escape of the suspect. All persons indicted in the escape are to be identified and made to face the wrath of the law.
The CP was also mandated to immediately assess and rejig the security architecture in the State so as to prevent any of such in the future.
The IGP called for calm and enjoined citizens to cooperate with the police by providing useful information that can lead to the unearthing of the whereabouts of Sunday Shodipe – the suspected serial killer.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Nwachukwu Enwonwu, in a statement made available to newsmen, through the state’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed his escape, adding that Shodipe escaped unlawfully.
The statement read further: “The Commissioner of Police, Oyo State Command, CP. Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, psc wishes to state that, the prime suspect in the serial killings at Akinyele Local Government Area, Moniya Ibadan of Oyo State, one Sunday Shodipe ‘m’ 19 years who was arrested and paraded along with two others at the Oyo State Police Command on 17th July 2020 and later charged to court but remanded in Police custody escaped from lawful custody on 11/08/2020.”
“Consequent upon this, the CP wishes to implore the general public to be on the lookout, arrest and immediately inform the Officers and men of the Command when sighted for immediate handing over for further action.”
“He further seizes this opportunity to appeal to any member of the public with credible information as to the whereabouts of the assailant not to hesitate in passing same to the Oyo State Police Command to assist in the apprehension of the offender who is now at large.”
“The CP wishes to unequivocally state that, the Command is committed to the protection of lives and properties of the good people of Oyo State.
“He, therefore, assures that adequate security measures have been emplaced to enable all and sundry transact their lawful businesses in an atmosphere of peace and tranquillity, move from one place to another without any fear or molestation from any individual or groups as he sternly warns criminal elements to steer clear of Oyo State.”
“He further advice angry youths/mobs from taking laws into their hands by carrying out jungle justice when suspected criminals are arrested, but such suspect(s) should be handed over to the Police. The photograph of Sunday Shodipe ‘m’ 19 years old is hereby attached for ease of identification,” the statement concluded.
It would be recalled that, upon Shodipe’s escape from the police custody, residents of Ori-Oke Olurunkole in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state last Friday morning, woke up to the heart-aching news of a middle-aged woman, Mrs Olufunmilayo, who was again reportedly macheted to death, suspecting he (Shodipe) was the one that carried out the dastardly act.
The development, however, infuriated youths in the area to embark on a violent protest, which led to a serious attack on the police.
