One tragic incident wey happen for Ipaja area of Lagos State on Wednesday dey cause plenty controversy. Temitope Oyetade, a Lagos-based businessman, die after he fall inside canal while police officers dey chase am.
According to eyewitnesses, especially one trader named Betty Omowunmi, police officers in mufti stop Oyetade on a commercial motorcycle, popularly called Okada, as he dey go from Ayobo to Oshodi. The police search am and accuse am of being an internet fraudster because of tattoos on his body. Omowunmi say the police no give Oyetade chance to defend himself before they become violent and threaten to shoot him.
Oyetade, out of fear, take to his heels and start run. The police pursue am for long distance until he fall into the canal at Moshalashi. Bystanders rush am to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) where he later die in the early hours of Friday.
The Lagos Police Command, through their spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, deny the allegations. Hundeyin say the police never interact with Oyetade or chase am. He explain say Oyetade jump into the canal after seeing the police approaching while he dey ride motorcycle against traffic.
Hundeyin add say the police officers stop their vehicle, alight, and go in the direction of the canal but did not see Oyetade after he jump in. He assure the public that the police will not condone any unprofessional conduct from their officers.
Two of the suspected police officers involved in the incident have been identified and detained at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti for interrogation.
