Policeman Beat To Death In Lagos For Killing A Trader

The Lagos State Police Command has

commenced investigations into the killing of a police

corporal, Ado Ayuba, who was lynched by some hoodlums

in Suru Alaba area of the state.

According to the police, the victim was beaten to death by

an irate mob for allegedly killing a trader, Mustapha

Mohammed, on July 30, 2013.

It was learnt that Ayuba and another policeman were

deployed to the scene to chase away traders who had

illegally taken over a portion of the Lagos-Badagry

Expressway.

It was learnt that trading activities by the

traders usually caused gridlock in the area. It was also

learnt that some residents and motorists had complained

to relevant authorities about the inconveniences caused

by the traders. It was said that a construction

company working on the road had also made appeal to the

government to check the traders.

A senior policeman said, “Ayuba and the policeman were

posted to the area to chase away traders who had taken

over that portion of the road. The road is under

construction by Chinese Construction Engineering Company

and the company had complained that its makeshift

construction site was being hijacked by traders.

“On the day of the incident, Ayuba and another policeman

were dispersing the traders when things went wrong.

“We were told that the traders overpowe

red

the policemen and in an attempt to protect himself and his

colleague, Ayuba opened fire into the crowd and killed a

trader (Mohammed).

“Ayuba’s colleague immediately fled, leaving him alone

with the hoodlums. The hoodlums seized Ayuba’s gun from

him, picked up stones and sticks and beat him up without

mercy.

“Some soldiers arrived at the scene and attempted to

rescue the policeman. But the soldiers were greatly

outnumbered by the uncontrollable mob, which

overpowered them and chased them away.”

Our correspondent learnt that by the time the police

back-up arrived and managed to disperse the mob, Ayuba

was unconscious from the beatings he had received.

The policemen were said to have rushed Ayuba and

Mohammed to the hospital where they were confirmed

dead.

Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Ngozi Braide,

told our correspondent that the matter had been

transferred to the State Criminal Investigation

Department, Yaba.

She said, “The matter is under investigation at the SCID.

Investigations will reveal what happened.”