Attack on Apostle Suleman’s Convoy: Edo CP suspends DPO over killing of suspect
The Divisional Police Officer of Auchi Division, Ayodele Suleiman, has been suspended by the Commissioner of Police in Edo State, Abutu Yaro for allegedly killing a suspect arrested for attacking the convoy of General Overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, Apostle Johnson Suleman.
The suspended DPO is expected to report at the state police command for debriefing.
The Deputy Public Relations Officer of the command, Jennifer Iwegbu in a statement said the DPO’s suspension was part of the measures to unravel the circumstances that led to the death of one of the suspects.
The statement read, “The outgoing CP now AIG Abutu Yaro has ordered the withdrawal of CSP Ayodele Suleiman, DPO Auchi for debriefing at the State Headquarters with immediate effect.”
He called on members of the public to remain calm and patient, assuring that no stone would be left unturned in the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Apostle Suleman had claimed that the suspect arrested by vigilantes and handed over to the police was reportedly killed by the security agency.
The cleric in a post on his Twitter account accused the police of trying to erase all evidence that could lead to the arrest of his attackers.
In a viral video, a voice said to be that of a policeman said, “One of the kidnappers was caught Friday while the DPO, CSP Ayodele Sulaiman, led the operation along Iyewe-Auchi Road, and after a gun battle, this one (suspect) was gunned down while others escaped with bullet wounds. Bush combing is ongoing.”
However, the cleric said the attack was an assassination attempt and alleged that the gunmen weren’t kidnappers.
“Lies…they weren’t kidnappers… He was caught and handed over and the police killed him immediately…Why killing him on the spot? Who is trying to cover up traces?” the preacher asked.
Gunmen on Friday attacked the convoy of Apostle Johnson Suleman along the Benin Auchi Road, Edo State, and allegedly killed seven persons including three policemen.
According to reports, Suleman returned from a foreign trip and was heading to a destination in Edo State when the gunmen attacked his convoy around the Auchi area of the state.
During the attack, the gunmen opened fire on Suleman’s convoy, allegedly killing three of his police orderlies and four other persons.
