Mr. Akinleminu Blessing, a UK-based businessman, who was shot by political thugs shortly before the November 16, 2024, Ondo State governorship election, has expressed concerns about an alleged attempt by security agents to obstruct the investigation into the attack.
Blessing accused the Ondo State Police Command and the office of the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 17, Akure, of attempting to sweep the case under the carpet.
It will be recalled that Blessing was shot in the stomach by hoodlums in Idanre, Ondo State. Despite reporting the incident to the police, he claims no meaningful investigation has been carried out since then.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Akure, Blessing alleged that a petition submitted to the AIG’s office has been suppressed and left unattended.
The statement read: “On November 12, 2024, our client, Mr. Akinleminu Blessing, was in Idanre, his hometown, with some friends and two police officers assigned for his security when armed men, some masked, invaded the location and attacked him with gunfire.
“His friends sustained serious injuries, while the officers were helpless as the attack was sudden and calculated. After sustaining a gunshot wound to his stomach, he was rushed to the University of Medical Sciences Specialist Hospital in Akure for emergency care and later transferred to another hospital for intensive treatment.”
Blessing further explained that the incident was initially reported at Alade Police Station and subsequently at Idanre Divisional Police Station. However, he alleged that both stations failed to handle the case seriously, prompting him to seek legal counsel and file a formal petition to the AIG’s office on November 14, 2024.
“The petition was approved for investigation, but to our client’s shock, the investigation was deliberately suppressed without any valid reason, despite formal approval. This frustrating situation compelled our client to return to the UK, abandoning his initial plans to remain in Nigeria for a while,” the statement continued.
The businessman called on the Ondo State government and stakeholders to intervene and ensure justice is served. He alleged that the suspected perpetrators are still roaming freely in Idanre, boasting about their immunity from prosecution.
“Our client is crying out to the government and well-meaning individuals to intervene. The suspects are still moving freely, claiming they are untouchable and the reason the case has not been investigated. This is a desperate call for justice.”
When contacted for a response, the spokesperson for the Ondo State Police Command, Funmi Odunlami, denied allegations of a cover-up, stating: “The command was properly handling the case when the complainant requested that it be transferred to the AIG’s office at Zone 17. Investigation was already ongoing before the transfer was requested.”
Similarly, the Public Relations Officer of Zone 17, Mr. Akeem Adeola, said he was unaware of the petition but promised to look into the matter.
“It is not possible for the zone to receive a petition and not act on it. I will investigate and provide updates accordingly,” Adeola assured.
The public now awaits the outcome of the promised investigation as pressure mounts on authorities to deliver justice.
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