Kemi Olaitan in Ibadan
The Oyo State Police Command yesterday raised the alarm that a suspected serial killer, Sunday Shodipe, has escaped from police custody.
THISDAY learnt that Shodipe was arrested in connection with series of killings in Akinyele Local Government Area of the state.
He and two others were paraded last month in connection with the killings of Barakat Bello, Azeezat Shomuyiwa and others.
But the state police command in a statement issued yesterday by the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mr. Olugbenga Fadeyi, confirmed that Shodipe had escaped from custody.
He disclosed that Shodipe escaped after he had been charged to court, imploring the public to be on the lookout and immediately inform officers and men of the command if he is sighted.
The PPRO said: “The state Commissioner of Police, Joe Nwachukwu Enwonwu, wishes to state that the prime suspect in the serial killings in Akinyele LGA of Oyo State, Sunday Shodipe, 19, who was arrested and paraded along with two others at the state Police Command on July 17, 2020, and later charged to court but remanded in police custody escaped from lawful custody on August 11, 2020.
“Consequent upon this, the commissioner wishes to implore the public to be on the lookout, arrest and immediately inform the officers and men of the command when sighted for immediate handing over for further action.
“He further seizes this opportunity to appeal to any member of the public with credible information as to the whereabouts of the assailant not to hesitate to pass the same to the state Police Command to assist in apprehending the offender who is now at large.
“The CP also wishes to unequivocally state that the command is committed to the protection of lives and property of the people of Oyo State.
“He, therefore, assures the state that adequate security measures have been placed to enable all and sundry to transact their lawful businesses in an atmosphere of peace without any fear or molestation from any individual or groups as he sternly warns criminal elements to steer clear of Oyo State.”
