The family of a 70-year-old ex-serviceman, Aminu Ajayi, who was killed by hoodlums in Ogun State have appealed to the government and the Assistant General of Police to bring the killers of their brother and father to book.
PUNCH Metro gathered that the septuagenarian was slain with a cutlass by hoodlums in his residence in Imasayi, Yewa North of Ogun State.
One of his brothers, Adebisi Ajayi, who spoke to our correspondent on Monday, said the incident happened on July 4, 2023, around 3 p.m.
Adebisi alleged that the killers of his brother were working with some prominent individuals in the community to forestall justice.
He claimed that since the death of his brother, no suspect had been arrested or prosecuted for the hideous crime despite their reports to the police.
He said, “My uncle’s murder has remained unresolved for over four months after the incident.
“The suspects have been trying to evade justice through political influence, one of them boldly declaring that nothing would come out of the case.
“We decided to transfer the case to the Homicide Department in Alagbon for a more thorough and proper investigation, because the Imasayi Police Division, and the State Police Command, Eleweran, displayed a baffling lack of professionalism in handling the homicide case.
“But it is distressing that the Alagbon police officers that came to arrest the suspects were not allowed to make any arrest.”
He claimed that the arrest was halted by one of the prime suspects with influence.
“How can a prime suspect who claimed to be ill, hinder the arrest of other suspects, he asked.
“We raise our voices and appeal to the Inspector General of Police, the Assistant Inspector General, the Ogun State Government, and the public at large to help us seek justice for Aminu Ajayi, my brother.”
The son of the deceased, Ayorinde Ajayi, lamented that his father was murdered when he was supposed to be enjoying his old age.
He also appealed to politicians to refrain from shielding the suspects and allow the police to do their job.
“I need the government and the public to help us; my father did not deserve that kind of death. He was killed like an animal. He has done well for the community; he was supposed to be enjoying old age, and being pampered by his children.
“We urge politicians and others not to meddle or cover up the truth but to allow the dedicated officers in Alagbon to do their job without interference.
“My father’s memory deserves justice. His family deserves it, and our society demands it.”
Our correspondent also sighted the petition addressed to the AIG FCID, Alagbon Close, Ikoyi, Lagos State, dated October 3, 2023.
The petition read partly, “We the members of the Ajayi Awolesu Family of Imasayi town, had one of our family members gruesomely murdered at his house. We hereby attach photos of his butchered corpse as EXHIBIT 1 to this petition.
“The deceased was a member of the Ajayi Awolesu Family recently in court over the Obaship stool of Imasayi, against the present occupant of the stool.
“The deceased was murdered in cold blood not quite some few days after his public criticism of the present Oba of Imasayi.”
When contacted on Monday on the case, the spokesperson for the FCID Annex, Alagbon, ASP Oluwakemi Mayegun, said the Commissioner of Police would meet the family and suspects for an interview in November.
She said, “The case is still under investigation and the police are working assiduously to ensure justice is served.
“However, both parties have agreed to meet the Commissioner of Police for an interview next week on the matter.”
She however discarded the claim that the prime suspect hindered the police from arresting other suspects when they visited the community.
“No, let the person come to the office in Alagbon with the claim, so we can confirm,” she said.
