The Osun State Police Command has transferred the investigation of the alleged shooting of the Chairman of the Park Management System in Osun State, Mr. Iyanda Alowonle, to the Force Headquarters in Abuja.
This was confirmed by the acting Police Public Relations Officer in the state, Emmanuel Giwa-Alade, who said the officer involved, Moses Lohor, will be thoroughly investigated.
According to Giwa-Alade, Alowonle was shot while allegedly trying to escape arrest after being found in possession of firearms. However, the Secretary of the PMS, Mukaila Popoola, claimed Alowonle was shot while in police custody after his arrest.
“We are committed to ensuring a comprehensive investigation. The claims by the state government and other parties will be duly probed,” Giwa-Alade stated.
In response to the incident, PMS members withdrew their vehicles across the state on Wednesday, leaving commuters stranded.
Popoola confirmed the withdrawal was a peaceful protest against the alleged shooting of their chairman, who is currently recovering in the hospital.
“We have told our members to remain peaceful and avoid any unlawful acts. Our chairman is responding to treatment, and we are hopeful for his recovery,” Popoola said.
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has called for calm while the authorities investigate the matter. In a statement released by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed, the governor assured citizens that justice would be served.
“I have spoken with the Inspector General of Police and held discussions with the Commissioner of Police. Immediate actions are being taken to address this incident. I urge transport workers and residents to maintain peace while justice is pursued,” Adeleke said.
The governor emphasized the importance of preserving peace in the state, urging citizens to avoid provocation or retaliatory actions.
The Concerned Osun Civil Society Groups has also called for a thorough investigation into the activities of the police anti-kidnapping unit.
The group’s spokesperson, Stephen Olanrewaju, highlighted allegations of misconduct, including extortion and human rights abuses, under the unit’s leadership.
“We demand justice for this incident and call on the Inspector-General of Police to hold erring officers accountable, particularly SP Moses Lohor, whose tenure has been marked by numerous allegations of high-handedness,” Olanrewaju stated.
Meanwhile, the Osun State Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, Mr. Kazeem Oyewale, commended the police for their actions against Alowonle. However, he urged them to resolve lingering cases of violence against union members.
“The police must expedite efforts to find those responsible for the killings of seven of our members in November 2022. Justice must be served to bring closure to these unresolved cases,” Oyewale said.
