Painter narrates role in murder of 35-year-old Ondo driver

• Suspects will be charged for murder, arson, say police
A 30-year-old painter, Victor Amos, yesterday, narrated his role in the gruesome murder of a 35-year-old driver, Tope Olorunfemi, in Akure, the capital of Ondo State.

The 30-year-old painter, who was paraded alongside three others at the police headquarters in Akure, confessed that he was part of those that beat and stoned the late Tope to death.

Recall that on Easter Monday, a mob descended on the deceased and beat him to death, after he allegedly crushed some road users to death and injured six others due to reckless driving.

After killing the deceased driver, his car, a Toyota Camry ‘Muscle’, was also set ablaze by an irate mob in the presence of his wailing parents.

While admitting to the crime, Victor said, he never knew that the deceased was the younger brother of his bosom friend, adding that he was not arrested, but surrendered himself to the police after he was declared wanted.

He said: “On getting to the scene of the incident, the deceased had been beaten to a pulp, and he had been soaked in his own blood. The Okada riders beat him mercilessly. I didn’t even know those who stoned him.

“I was also moved by the bodies of those that he killed, and that made me pick up a stone and hit him on the head. I didn’t even know that he was the younger brother of my friend.

“When I gave him some punches, he held on to my leg, and to release myself from his grip before he could drag me into the gutter, I tried to choke him on his neck. It’s true that I saw a small coffin and a tortoise inside the car before it was burnt. But I was no longer there when the car was set ablaze.

“I was not arrested by the police. I went to report myself at the Ala Police Station when my picture was circulated as part of those who participated in the beating. I told the police that I beat and stoned him, but I did not kill him.”

Other suspects paraded at the headquarters were Samuel Olatunji, 20; Ismaila Durotoye, 32, and Pelumi Farotimi, 42. They, however, denied their role in beating the deceased.

Samuel, a barber, said he was in his shop on the day of the incident. Ismaila, a commercial motorcyclist, said that he was busy picking up passengers throughout Easter Monday, while Pelumi also claimed to have been in his office all through.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, Olufunmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, said the suspects will be charged with murder and arson upon the conclusion of investigation.