Lagos police arrest suspects in Oguntulu’s murder
Family alleges political killing as candlelight procession holds Thursday
Lagos State Police Command, yesterday, arrested suspects in connection to the murder of Francis Olagoke Oguntulu, the Deputy Chief of Staff to the Chairman of Oshodi-Isolo Local Council, Otunba Kehinde Almaroof Oloyede.
The Command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the arrest, yesterday, said the commissioner of police, Abiodun Alabi, has called for calm and promised safety of life and property in the area and in the whole of Lagos.”
He said: “We have arrested some of the people that were at the party so that they can throw more light on what happened. That is what we are doing currently.
“The case is at the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (SCIID) Panti, and the perpetrators will be brought to book.”
Oguntulu lost his life on Sunday due to gun and axe injury attack he sustained at a birthday party on Friday, August 19, 2022. His death came seven years after Olayemi Eniola, popularly called Esi Oluwo was killed at a political rally in Oshodi area of Lagos.
The Guardian learnt that gunmen stormed a birthday party in Adeyemi Street, Oshodi on that fateful day, shot Oguntulu, a stalwart of the All-Progressives Congress (APC) and left others injured with gunshot wounds and axes.
The man popularly known as Goke was rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was receiving treatment along with others before he died in the early hours of Sunday.
When The Guardian visited the family house in Balogun Street, Bolade, Oshodi, the family alleged that he was assassinated by boys sent by a particular politician, who is running for a seat in the State’s House Assembly to represent the area in 2023.
They claimed the politician has been after so many perceived political opponents just to win the election. His aunt said Oguntulu appeared to be the main target as they concentrated on him.
According to her, the gunmen came unmasked and shot those at the party at close range. She described the deceased as a gentle person whom many described as too lazy to throw a punch.
“He was about to leave the birthday party before the gunmen came in bikes and shot and axed him. They macheted others who were close to him that day. They macheted Alhaji, but he jumped over the fence to escape death.”
“He doesn’t fight. So, how would they kill him and win the election after spilling innocent blood?
“Candlelight procession will be held for him on Thursday. His wife and children left Nigeria for London last Tuesday,” she added.
MEANWHILE, the council’s chairman, Almaroof-Oloyede, has described Oguntulu’s death as shocking and highly devastating.
Oloyede urged Lagos State Police Command to fish out those behind the killing. He appealed for calm and asked the people to allow the Police to carry out a thorough investigation of the case.
“As we mourn Goke, I appeal to our party men and women and all residents of our dear council to remain calm as we have asked the Police to investigate the matter. We will never leave any stone unturned in this case. We will work hand in hand with the police during their investigations to unmask those behind the act,” he said. Oguntulu is survived by aged parents, wife, three children and siblings.
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