Five policemen allegedly involved in the death of a commercial bus driver in Benin City were Tuesday arrested, the Edo State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Babatunde Kokumo stated.
The policemen were alleged to have pushed the bus driver into the upcoming vehicle before the trailer crushed him to death. Though CP Kokumo did not confirm the number of arrested policemen but Vanguard gathered they were five of them currently in detention.
The death of the driver identified John sparked protests in some parts of Benin City which led to the burning of five police Hilux vans and killing of three other persons.
However, the identities of the policemen who were said to be in police cell are yet to be identified but CP Kokumo said members of the team are being investigated and if found culpable, would be made to face the full wrath of the law.
He said the command would not renege on its fight against all forms of human right abuses.
The commissioner advised parents, guardians and community leaders to prevail on their children not to take the law into their own hands and allow police investigations into the matter.
“The Edo State Police Command wishes to inform members of the public that the violence by an irate mob and some restive youths as a result of the fatal motor accident allegedly caused by a police patrol team in the early hours of Feb. 6, 2018 has been brought under control.
“Members of the alleged police team have been identified, arrested and currently being investigated.
“If found culpable, they will be made to face the full wrath of the law, as the command will not renege on its fight against all forms of human right abuses.
“We implore all parents and community leaders to prevail on their children and subjects not to take the law into their own hands and allow police investigation into the incident to be concluded.’’
The commissioner appealed to residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses and refrain from acts likely to cause a breakdown of law and order