Slain APC Supporter’s Family Demands Prosecution Of Suspect Arrested In Osun SSG’s Residence

The family of the late Sheriff Oyewale has appealed to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, to ensure the prosecution of Biodun Arowomole, popularly known as Abbey Asipa, following his recent arrest, insisting that the prime suspect in their son’s alleged murder must not evade justice.

The appeal comes days after Arowomole, who had been declared wanted by the police over the killing of Oyewale, was arrested during a police operation at a residence linked to the Osun State Secretary to the Government, Teslim Igbalaye.

According to SaharaReporters, In a statement signed by Mrs Oyewale Fasilat on behalf of the Oyewale family of Odeomu, Osun State, the family expressed fears that influential individuals could interfere with the judicial process and frustrate efforts to bring the suspect to justice.

According to the family, Sheriff Oyewale, an alleged supporter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who resided in Warri, Delta State, travelled to Osogbo in November 2022, where he was allegedly attacked and killed because of his political affiliation.

The family claimed the attack occurred in broad daylight at Orita Aiyetoro Junction in Osogbo.

“Our son Sheriff Oyewale, who lived in Warri, Delta State, was on a visit to Osogbo when he was targeted and hacked to death in broad daylight at the Orita Aiyetoro Junction in Osogbo in November 2022,” the statement read.

The family further alleged that the attackers took away Oyewale’s body after the killing, denying them the opportunity to give him a proper burial.

“To this day, the family has been unable to recover or properly bury his remains, which are alleged to have been secretly buried along the Osogbo-Iwo Road,” the statement added.

The family identified three principal suspects in the murder as Lekan Ajagungbade, also known as Emir, Nurudeen Alowonle and Biodun Arowomole, popularly known as Abbey Asipa.

According to the statement, Ajagungbade and Alowonle were previously arrested by security agencies but allegedly jumped bail and disappeared, while Arowomole remained on the run for years after being declared wanted by the police.

“Abbey Asipa remained on the run and was officially declared wanted by the police until his recent, shocking arrest inside the Osun State SSG’s property,” the family stated.

While welcoming the suspect’s arrest, the family expressed concern that political influence could undermine the investigation and prosecution.

“With this breakthrough arrest, the Oyewale family fears that the Osun State Government’s influence may be used to subvert justice, obstruct the investigation, or allow the suspect to escape custody,” the statement said.

The family urged President Tinubu and the police leadership to closely monitor the case to ensure a transparent prosecution and a thorough investigation.

“We are demanding a transparent prosecution, a thorough investigation into those who harboured the fugitive, and help in locating Sheriff’s body,” the statement added.

They also insisted that public office holders should not be allowed to shield individuals accused of serious criminal offences.

“We implore the Presidency and the police leadership to monitor this case closely to guarantee that justice is finally served for Sheriff,” the family said.

Koikimedia reports that the latest appeal comes less than 24 hours after the Osun State Police Command announced the arrest of Arowomole during an operation at a residential property linked to the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye.

Police said the operation also led to the arrest of Igbalaye and five other suspects. Officers reportedly recovered ₦4.81 million in cash, voter registers, two Permanent Voter Cards, a laptop, a printer and a photocopier, while investigations into alleged vote-buying and other suspected offences are ongoing.

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