From Taiye Joseph, Ilorin.
The Kwara State Police Command, has announced a significant development in a gruesome murder case, where the severed head of a commercial motorcyclist, Rafiu Akao, was recovered, and three suspects arrested.
The suspects allegedly conspired to lure Akao to an isolated area, killed him, and stole his motorcycle.
In a statement, DSP Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, the Public Relations Officer of the Kwara State Police Command, identified the suspects as Peter Samuel, Jeremiah Tiozinda, and Sunday Agbenke, who reportedly confessed to the crime.
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“They conspired to lure the victim, murder him, and steal his motorcycle,” said Ejire-Adeyemi.
The incident reportedly took place on November 4, 2024. According to police findings, Agbenke provided Akao’s contact to Samuel, who then requested a ride to a secluded location.
Upon arrival, Tiozinda allegedly attacked Akao with a stick, and Samuel reportedly used a cutlass to behead him. Tiozinda disposed the head and weapon in a nearby stream before the suspects fled with the motorcycle.
Local vigilantes, alerted by suspicious sounds, pursued the suspects, who eventually abandoned the stolen motorcycle. Detectives later identified the suspects through Samuel’s phone, which had fallen at the scene. The suspects are now in police custody and are expected to be charged upon completing the investigation.
Kwara State Commissioner of Police, CP Victor Olaiya, assured the public of the police’s commitment to security and reminded commercial motorcyclists of the curfew from 9 p.m. to 6 a.m.
“We are dedicated to protecting our community,” he stated, warning that violators of the curfew would face prosecution.
In a related incident, CP Olaiya, condemned acts of vigilantism that followed the murder in Ilorin’s Asunlere area. Two men, Yusuf Abdulkareem and Jaiyeola Fatai, mistakenly attacked an innocent farmer, thinking he was connected to the killing. Abdulkareem and Fatai have since been charged with conspiracy, public disturbance, and mischief.
“Any act of vigilantism will be strictly dealt with, as the law remains committed to justice and order,” CP Olaiya said, urging residents to remain calm and refrain from taking matters into their own hands.
