Against the background of speculation over alleged involvement of policemen in the recent armed robbery attack in Off a, Kwara state, where many lives were lost and yet to be ascertained amount of cash was carted away from about five commercial banks, the Nigerian Police have vowed to deal decisively with all persons, directly or indirectly, linked to the incident.
Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) for the state, Ajayi Okasanmi, who gave the assurance while speaking with journalists, said that any civilian and uniformed men linked to the incident would not go scot free.
He explained that investigation was on-going on the attack and the Police was determined to get to the root of the perennial robbery cases in the ancient town in a bid to find a lasting solution. On whether any police officer had been linked to the incident, the spokesperson insisted that investigation was underway and whoever is found culpable would be dealt with accordingly. The Divisional Police Officer (DPO) and Divisional Crime Officer (DCO) for Off a Police Station, where the robbery took place, have been accused in some quarters of allegedly failing to take action before the armed robbery.
The speculation may not be unconnected to queries on why the hoodlums reportedly collected the two senior officer’s phones and allowed them escape while not less than nine other policemen were said to have been killed in the course of their operation.
According to the Force Public relations Officer (FPRO), ACP Jimoh Moshood, 21 suspects including 12 primary suspects, one hotel proprietor, four staff of the hotel and four patrons, have been arrested in connection with the robbery. The hotel owner, the staff and patrons were arraigned at Ilorin Magistrates’ Court last week, while the 12 primary suspects paraded at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, are yet to be arraigned.
