Police probe Ogun finance director’s killing

The Ogun State Police Command  has commenced an investigation into a robbery attack on a bullion van in the Kuto area of Abeokuta, the state capital which led to the death of the State Director of Finance, Taiwo Oyenekan, on Wednesday.

The command’s Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, disclosed this in a statement.

According to Odutola, the suspected robbers intercepted a bullion van which was carrying an unspecified amount and three passengers among which was the late Oyenekan.

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The incident was said to have occurred at the overhead bridge located in the Kuto area inward of Oke Mosan.

During the attack, Oyenekan was shot in his thigh and private part but was immediately taken to the State’s hospital, Ijaiye, where he was confirmed dead.

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She said, “The Divisional Police Officer of Ibara Police Station, led a team of policemen to the scene of the crime that occurred at the overhead bridge in Kuto inward Oke Mosan, Abeokuta. Following a report that a suspected armed robbery attack took place on November 29, 2023. The incident involved a mini bullion van belonging to the Office of the Director of Finance and Administration, Governor’s Office in Oke Mosan Abeokuta.

“The bullion van, registered under the number X pilot 13, was transporting the Director of Finance, Taiwo Oyenekan, along with the driver, Olalekan Akintoye, and Peter Samson. The van was carrying an unspecified amount of cash collected from Fidelity Bank and Sterling Bank in Abeokuta. It is worth noting that the bullion van lacked a security escort at the time of the incident.

“During the attack, the bullion van was dangerously intercepted on the Kuto Overhead Bridge by yet-to-be-identified five armed men. These suspects were armed with AK-47 rifles and were travelling in an unregistered silver Toyota Corolla, and suddenly they trapped the bullion van by double-crossing it.

“The armed men first interrogated the driver if they had rifles in the vehicle and specifically inquired about the identity of the Director of Finance. In a display of anger, the armed men fired shots at the front door of the vehicle, where the director was seated.

“As a result of the attack, the Director of Finance sustained bullet wounds on his thigh and private part, he was rushed to State Hospital, where he later gave up the ghost. The driver and other occupants of the robbery attack remain unharmed. At present, no arrests have been made; however, efforts are underway to apprehend the suspects who fled the scene.

“The incident is currently under investigation, by Ibara Police Station, and will be transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department for discreet investigation.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Alamutu Abiodun Mustapha, is reassuring residents of Ogun State not to panic or fear as the situation is under control, operatives are working diligently to gather more information that will bring the perpetrators to justice,” she explained.