Alhaji Lateef Akinsola (Tokyo) and Alhaji Lamidi Mukaila (Auxiliary), the two major gladiators in the series of bloody battles between rival factions of the National Union of Road Transports Workers (NURTW) in Oyo State might still be on the run, but the police are steadily rounding up their foot soldiers.
Men of the state Police Command say they have arrested more than 21 members of the union believed to have been involved in the bloody factional clash that occurred on Monday, May 30 as well as that of Sunday, June 5.
The arrest of the suspected hoodlums were said to have been carried out by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), led by officer in charge, Seyi Ologbenla, a Superintendent of Police.
No fewer than 18 of the suspects have already been charged before the Iyaganku Magistrate Court 6, with Chief Magistrate E.A. Idowu presiding. Among those arraigned in court were Wasiu Muibi, 20; Opeyemi Ogunjenmi, 33; Saheed Adekunle, 28; Dauda Kolawole, 28; Bashiru Ibraheem, 32; Taofeek Babalola, 35; Adamu Rasheed, 32; Olatubosun Mufutau, 45; Muniru Oladejo, 40; Abass Ganiyu, 27; Olayemi Omoolounwa, 22; Wale Ajayi, 22 and Sunday Omilani, 20. The suspects are standing trial on a five-count charge bordering on felony and robbery. The accused have since been remanded in prison.
Speaking on the development, Oyo state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Adisa Bolanta said some more suspects are also being investigated in connection with the bloody clash. If they are found culpable after investigations had been concluded, they will be charged to court, he assured. According to him, those that were initially arrested but were later discovered to know practically nothing about the incident have since been released.
He praised the state governor for placing a ban on the activities of NURTW in all motor parks in the state in a bid to restore peace. “Instead of allowing the NURTW hoodlums to cause more destruction of lives and property, the governor has placed the motor parks under the control of the local governments,” Bolanta said.
The police boss said the police have been able to recover a large cache of arms and ammunition from the arrested suspects, including AK 47 rifles with 30 live ammunitions, seven pump action short guns and several cutlasses.
He said following the discovery that many members of the NURTW are in possession of arms and ammunition, he has now put the Divisional Police officers on alert, adding that many of the drivers and motor park touts may go into crime.
He assured residents of Ibadan and Oyo State that the activities of the NURTW members in the state have been curtailed, noting that his command would eventually arrest the two wanted factional leaders of the state NURTW, Tokyo and Auxiliary. Bolanta said the police would get them arrested to enable the duo explain their involvement in the Ibadan crisis to the police. The police boss said phone numbers have been given to the public to help keep the police informed whenever either of the two are sighted anywhere in the state.
Asked why the NURTW crisis has lingered for long in the state, Bolanta said it was attributable to two factors. He said there have not been concrete efforts by the state government to stem the crisis just as he also decried the alleged politicisation of the crisis within the union. He said his command declared them wanted to give the two men the opportunity to defend themselves from various allegations levelled against them. Bolanta said the two union leaders are on the police wanted list because of their alleged involvement in conspiracy, arson, armed robbery and unlawful possession of prohibited firearms.
He said they were declared wanted after failing to obey police invitations.
Bolanta said Tokyo would have to explain where he came about a police rifle with 30 rounds of ammunition that was recovered from one of his aides. Speaking on an advertorial placed in the media by Tokyo that Bolanta is against him, the police boss said it was ridiculous that Tokyo would seek to choose the policemen that will arrest him. He vowed that all those involved in the killing of innocent souls in Ibadan in the early morning of Sunday, June 5 will be arrested and punished.
He urged residents of Ibadan and Oyo State to go about their normal businesses, promising that the police are in town and totally prepared to protect lives and property.
| Posted: at | |
TRENDING GISTS 
EFCC To Investigate Alleged ₦528bn Misappropriation By Ex-Zamfara Governor, Matawalle
Lagos Lady Recounts Ordeal in 'One Chance' Bus, Says She Was Hypnotized, Robbed & Abandoned
2025 U-20 AFCON: Check Out All 8 Teams That Qualified For Quarter-Finals
Watch Loved-Up Moment Portable's Wife, Ashabi Shared With The Singer (Video)