Justice for Samuel: Notorious Gangs, Alleged Corruption within Oyo State Police Force Amidst Kidnapping Case
A disturbing series of events involving a brutal kidnapping, a botched police investigation, and alleged corruption within the Oyo State Police Force has raised serious concerns about law enforcement practices in the state. The incident, which occurred in the Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State on November 22, 2024, has put the spotlight on Commissioner of Police (CP) Adewale Sonubi after the suspects in the case were repeatedly granted bail despite clear evidence of their involvement in a violent crime.
On Friday, 22nd November 2024, Mr. Dada Samuel, a labourer working on a plot of land in Ido Local Government Area, was attacked by a group of armed assailants. The attackers macheted Samuel and kidnapped him, taking him to an unknown location where he was held for over five hours. The incident was promptly reported to the Ido Police Division, where an official statement was taken from the victim.
However, the case took a strange twist when the suspects allegedly brought Samuel to the police station, claiming that he was the one who had attacked them. Six individuals were arrested and detained in connection with the crime. As the case escalated, it was transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) in Iyaganku, Ibadan, on Monday, 25th November 2024.
Despite the seriousness of the crime, the investigation soon took a controversial turn. According to sources close to the case, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) initially ordered that the suspects be detained, but in a surprising move, the suspects were granted bail on the direct orders of Commissioner Sonubi. This decision sparked outrage among the complainants, who questioned why the suspects were released so quickly.
In response to the complaints, CP Sonubi convened a meeting on Tuesday, 26th November 2024, where he listened to both sides of the story. After hearing the evidence and the victim’s account, the Commissioner reportedly instructed that the suspects be returned to detention and face prosecution the following morning.
However, just hours later, in an unexpected development, the suspects were released again. When the complainants questioned why this was happening, they were informed that the order for the release came directly from Commissioner Sonubi. The suspects were supposedly to be presented at the police command the following day, with plans to take them to court. Yet, instead of being prosecuted, the suspects were free to continue their criminal activities.
Even more concerning, the suspects, despite being released from custody, allegedly went in search of the victim, Mr. Dada Samuel, with the apparent intention of eliminating him. As of the latest reports, the suspects are still at large, and their whereabouts remain unknown.
The complainants, frustrated by the apparent miscarriage of justice, have raised concerns about possible corruption within the Oyo State Police. They claim that CP Sonubi, known for his lavish lifestyle, may have influenced the case for personal gain. “This has always been his way,” one of the complainants said. “He is known to be fond of money, and there seems to be nothing he won’t do for it.”
The repeated granting of bail to the suspects has sparked outrage among local residents and human rights groups, who are demanding a full investigation into the role of CP Sonubi in the case. Many fear that this incident is just one example of a broader pattern of corruption within the Oyo State Police Force.
The victim, Mr. Dada Samuel, was eventually treated at the Eleyele Police Hospital for the injuries he sustained during the attack. However, his safety remains in jeopardy as the suspects continue to evade capture.
The victim’s family, along with concerned citizens, are now calling for justice and a thorough investigation into the actions of CP Sonubi and the handling of this case. They are seeking a transparent and unbiased review of the investigation, and for the suspects to be re-arrested and prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
“We want justice,” said one of the victim’s relatives. “The police are supposed to protect us, not work hand-in-hand with criminals. This is an abuse of power that cannot be ignored.”
As of now, the suspects remain free, and the search for the truth continues. The case has raised serious questions about the integrity of the Oyo State Police and the potential for corruption at the highest levels.
The unfolding events in Oyo State have captured public attention, highlighting potential systemic issues within the police force and the ongoing struggle for justice in Nigeria. As calls for accountability grow louder, many are hoping that the authorities will take swift action to ensure that the rule of law prevails and that the victims of this violent crime receive the justice they deserve.
