Ogun family seeks justice over alleged police killing of ‘breadwinner’

The family of Owolabi Oniyiku, who was allegedly shot and killed by policemen from a border patrol team in Ipokia Local Government Area, Ogun State, is appealing to the state government and police authorities for justice. They are also demanding the dismissal of the officers implicated in the incident, accusing them of harassment and extortion.

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He went there to ask if they could pass through the other side of their shed. The police officer began arguing with him, saying, ‘Don’t pass here, don’t pass here.’

A relative, Kolade Oniyiku, recounted that the deceased had returned home for the Oro festival and was preparing to travel when he encountered the police officers at Akinde Junction. According to Kolade, the officers had seized several motorcycles, causing fear among other riders. Owolabi Oniyiku reportedly approached the officers to inquire about passing through, which allegedly led to an argument before the policeman opened fire.

"As he started turning around, the officer just opened fire on him; he didn’t even move further. He didn’t fight with them; he didn’t do anything," Kolade alleged. He expressed deep disappointment that no police officer had contacted the family or visited them since the incident. Owolabi's remains were subsequently deposited at a mortuary, with the family accompanying the body.

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As he started turning around, the officer just opened fire on him; he didn’t even move further. He didn’t fight with them; he didn’t do anything.

The family emphasized that Owolabi Oniyiku was the sole breadwinner, responsible for his mother and younger siblings. "What his death did to us right now is very heavy. It devastated the family because he was the one taking care of his mother. He was the one sending money to all his younger siblings. He was the one taking care of the family. It hurt the family deeply; all of us are in tears," Kolade stated. Kolade also clarified that a recent birth in the family was his younger brother's wife, not Owolabi's wife.

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What his death did to us right now is very heavy. It devastated the family because he was the one taking care of his mother. He was the one sending money to all his younger siblings. He was the one taking care of the family. It hurt the family deeply; all of us are in tears.

Kolade appealed to Governor Dapo Abiodun and the Nigeria Police Force leadership to intervene, ensuring accountability for the officers involved. "Please, they should intervene now, because with what happened, those police officers ought to be dismissed, all of them," he urged, calling for an end to alleged frequent road harassment.

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Please, they should intervene now, because with what happened, those police officers ought to be dismissed, all of them.