Oyo CP detains inspector, queries DPO over alleged misconduct after kidnapping protest

The Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Femi Haruna, has ordered a thorough investigation into allegations of unprofessional conduct by officers attached to the Jobele Police Division in Afijio Local Government Area.

 

The development follows a protest by residents that disrupted movement along the Jobele end of the Ibadan–Oyo Expressway on Tuesday over rising cases of kidnapping and other criminal activities.

 

In a statement issued in Ibadan, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Olayinka Ayanlade, said the Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) who led the patrol team and the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) had been issued queries, while the Inspector involved has been detained pending the outcome of the investigation.

 

“The Oyo State Police Command has ordered a thorough investigation into the allegation of unprofessional conduct by operatives of the Jobele Division, which reportedly resulted in the protest witnessed earlier today,” the statement said.

 

“In line with the directive of the Commissioner of Police, the ASP who led the patrol team involved and the Divisional Police Officer have been issued queries respectively, while the Inspector concerned has been defaulted and detained pending the outcome of the investigation.”

 

The command added that the investigation had commenced in line with established rules and regulations to determine the circumstances surrounding the incident and ensure appropriate disciplinary action where necessary.

 

Earlier on Tuesday, scores of residents staged a protest that halted human and vehicular movement along the Ibadan–Oyo Expressway, citing increasing cases of kidnapping, banditry and other criminal activities in the area.

 

The protesters said the demonstration was triggered by a recent attack in one of the communities where suspected kidnappers attempted to abduct a woman.

 

According to residents, the victim narrowly escaped by scaling a fence but sustained a deep machete cut on one of her hands during the incident.

 

The protesters insisted they would not leave the road until security agencies take concrete steps to guarantee their safety.

 

“We are not going to leave the road until our safety is guaranteed by the relevant security agencies,” one of the protesters said.

 

The police said further updates would be provided as the investigation progresses.