Controversy is currently trailing the whereabouts of 51-year-old man, Alhaji Alaka Abayomiwho was arrested in connection with the Badoo killings of a
Controversy is currently trailing the whereabouts of 51-year-old man, Alhaji Alaka Abayomiwho was arrested in connection with the Badoo killings of a family of five in Oke Ota community, Ibeshe, Ikorodu by the ritual cult.
The arrest of Abayomi, a resident of Magodo and an independent oil and gas marketer who owns Alaka Petroleum, led to the discovery of the gang’s shrine and hideout in Agbowa town, Ikorodu, on Monday.
A joint team, comprising operatives of the Inspector-General of Police Intelligence Response Team, Rapid Response Squad, Special Anti-Robbery Squad and task force personnel uncovered five buildings used by the gang led by Alhaji Abayomi. A shrine and different kinds of charms were found in the buildings.
There was, however, a mild drama on Tuesday when Abayomi’s mansion was visited on PSSDC Road, Magodo Phase II, around 2pm. His security guard, Usman Zibo, said he had been released by the police and resumed his business activities, adding that he would return home later in the day. No policeman was seen in the area.
He said, “I think the matter has been settled. He has been released since morning (Tuesday). He is not around now; you can come back in the evening to see him. I can’t give you his number, but you can drop yours. He will call you when he returns home.
“I have been working with him as a security guard for 10 years and I have never seen any trace of ritual killings. We had lived together in the Agric area, Ikorodu; we moved here three years ago.”
Abayomi later said the police did not have any evidence against him, adding that he did not write any statement. The 51-year-old, who spoke in Yoruba, claimed to have inherited the shrine from his forefathers, saying it was being used for healing purposes.
He said, “I am at home now; you can come now. How did people arrive at the name Badoo? Nobody knows those who are perpetrating the attacks. I have been living in Ikorodu for over 30 years and everybody knows me. I am into oil and gas and not Badoo killings.
“I use the shrine for healing different ailments. I took the police there. They didn’t allow journalists to interview me and they didn’t take my statement. I will sue the police for blackmailing me. Let them bring out any exhibit found in the shrine or in my house. Why did they release me if indeed I have connection with the Badoo killings? They said investigation would continue.”
However, the Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, said Abayomi was still in custody. He said, “He is assisting the police with investigations. Through investigations, we discovered that hoodlums in the area wanted to start protests. And it is possible that the evidence that may be used against him and others may be destroyed at the shrine, his home or place of business.
“We have gone to secure all those things, with the suspect in our custody. We will get back to you on what we have done. The suspect is still in our custody, but was told to go and protect those evidences with investigators.”
A resident of Agbowa, who spoke on condition of anonymity for fear of being attacked, said the shrine was used for ritual purpose. He said, “The shrine has been there since 2005. It was a hunter that first discovered it and we brought it to the attention of the police. But the police didn’t take it seriously then. A lot of evil activities are perpetrated in the shrine. The police need to carry out thorough investigations.”
Punch
