The Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Olohundare Jimoh, has ordered a full-scale investigation into the alleged role of the tactical team operating in the Okokomaiko area over the release of six suspected members of the notorious Aiye cult group.
The development has sparked heightened anxiety among residents of the Agric community in the Ojo area of the state, who fear potential reprisals following the suspects’ release.
A community leader, speaking on condition of anonymity, alleged that the tactical team may have compromised the safety of residents.
“The Tactical Team has a lot of explanations to make, and they have put the lives of the community leaders in danger now. They have advised the cult members to be begging us, and now we are all afraid that those boys may resort to attack us,” the source said.
The community leader noted that the area experienced a wave of armed robberies and cult-related killings about three years ago. A report was lodged with the Tactical Team, leading to a swift operation during which six cult suspects were arrested while others fled. Firearms and charms were reportedly recovered during the operation.
However, the source expressed dissatisfaction with the manner in which the case was subsequently handled.
“The police team suddenly became unusually changed to us. They hid information about the suspects from us. They charged the suspects to court without even informing us but we had to engage a lawyer to follow up with the case in court,” he said.
According to the community leader, the charges were later downgraded, leading to the suspects being granted bail.
“The magistrate was forced to grant bail to the suspect after the policemen had withdrawn the initial charge and replaced it with a lesser and lenient charge. Now, these boys are going from one house to another to beg the landlords to discontinue the case,” the source added.
The Lagos State Police Command has constituted a committee of senior officers to carry out a detailed investigation and submit its report within one week. The tactical commander involved has also been redeployed from the squad to allow for an unimpeded inquiry.
Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, stated: “The Lagos State Police Command does not support any form of corruption, complicity or compromise of investigation and prosecution procedures by any of its officers. The Command will make sure that if the officer involved is found wanting, in any way, appropriate disciplinary measures will be promptly applied to serve as effective deterrent to others.”
