BY EVELYN USMAN

LAGOS— A 33‑year‑old man was allegedly shot dead, weekend, at Alakija area of Festac Town, by a policeman attached to Area ‘E’ Command.

The towed car (INSET): the late Oyoma Edewor.

As at yesterday, the Lagos State Police Command said it had arrested the Sergeant whose identity was given as Otene Godwin with Force Number 355272.

Report said the deceased, identified as Oyoma Edewor, was a building finishing contractor. Edewor was reportedly involved in an accident around Lekki, consequent upon which his Sports Utility Vehicle, SUV, was towed by a commercial towing van.

However, on reaching Festac Town, some Policemen reportedly asked the driver of the towing van to stop, a directive the latter ignored. The Policemen were said to have chased the vehicles to Third Gate, Alakija and dragged Edewor and other occupants out.

In the ensuing encounter, Sergeant Godwin was said to have allegedly fired a shot at Edewor, forcing other occupants to take to their heels.

A friend of the deceased (names withheld) told Vanguard: “The driver of the towing van fled immediately the policemen stopped the vehicle, leaving Edewor and some of his friends to their fate. The policemen, three in number, said they suspected that the vehicle was stolen. Even when they tried to explain why the car was being towed, the policemen were adamant. After the shooting, the policemen fled, on sighting a crowd.”

Policeman arrested

However, the Lagos State Police Command disclosed yesterday that the Sergeant abandoned his duty post as the station guard when the incident occurred.

The visibly angry command boss, Mr Umar Manko, was said to have ordered his immediate arrest and he is currently being quizzed.

A statement by the command’s spokesperson, Ngozi Braide said: “The Lagos State Command has arrested one Sgt. Otene Godwin with F/No. 355272 attached to Area ‘E’ Command, for allegedly shooting one Oyoma Edewor.

“The incident occurred on May 10, 2014 about 11.00 pm along Alakija area of Festac Town. Sgt. Otene abandoned his duty post as the Station Guard at Area ‘E’ Command and left for Alakija area where the unfortunate incident occurred.

“The sergeant is already in Police custody while circumstances surrounding the shooting incident is being investigated. The Nigeria Police is a disciplined organisation and will never tolerate any act of indiscipline from its members.

“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Umar Manko wishes to use this medium to appeal to members of the public to remain calm and maintain peace as justice will definitely be done. He also assures the deceased’s family that investigation will be concluded in good time.”