When police sighted the van towing Oyoma's SUV at the second junction, they asked them to stop, but for reasons best known to him, the driver of the towing van refused to stop. Oyoma who was in the car being towed was helpless as he could not have controlled the driver of the truck. The police then chased the vehicles to the next gate, 3rd Gate, where they dragged Oyoma out of his SUV and ordered him to seat on the ground. According to his friends, Oyoma told the police he wasn't an armed robber and tried to explain himself.
One thing led to another and Oyoma was shot dead by one of the 3 police officers named Sgt Otene. Sgt Otene, who was said to be intoxicated and off-duty has since been arrested, though Oyoma's friends claim the police are trying to change the story.
One of Oyoma's close friends had this to say:
"Someone I grew up with was killed yesterday by the police. He was raised in Festac and was killed in Festac by the same people who are sworn to protect us. His car broke down and he called a towing van. While on their way, they were stopped by the police. The driver of the van refused to stop for whatever reason. When he eventually stopped, the driver ran out leaving Oyoma Edewor and his friends to deal with the police. They were Asked to sit on the floor which they did. While explaining to the officers what had happened, one of them opened fire on Oyoma. The crowd which had gathered seeing this got involved. The policeman said he suspected he stole the vehicle. If you know Festac, you would know it's a small community. Passerby identified him as a member of the community. When the police realized a mob was growing, they fled the scene. Word spreading now is that the policeman was drunk and off duty. This is not the first person being killed by the police. Its very sad this is still happening.
The IG's son was involved in a crash, it's news but someone's child was murdered in cold blood and there is silence. Oyoma cannot die in vain.
Let the authorities hear about it. Please forward to anyone you know. Broadcast this I beg of you. The blood of the innocent are being shed.
The Lagos State Police Command has however moved swiftly to issue a statement confirming the arrest of Sgt. Otene Godwin.
The follwing statement was issued not too long ago:
Shooting Incident: REF: F/NO.355272 Sgt. Otene Godwin
The Lagos State Command has arrested one Sgt. Otene Godwin with F/No. 355272 attached to Area 'E' Command for allegedly shooting one Oyema Edewor.
The incident occurred on May 10th, 2014 about 2300hrs 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 and circumstances surrounding the shooting incident is being investigated.
The Nigeria Police is a disciplined organization and will never tolerate any act of indiscipline from its members.
The Commissioner of Police Lagos State CP Umar A. Manko mni 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 family that investigation will be concluded in good time.
NGOZI C. BRAIDE DSP,
POLICE PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER,
LAGOS STATE COMMAND,
IKEJA.
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