By Ikugbadi Oluwasegun
There was wild uproar after a motorcyclist died at an illegal police checkpoint in Ibadan, Oyo State. The police were on unauthorized stop and search duty when they accosted the victim, Sanni Salisu, at Moniya, Ibadan, who, while engaging the police in an argument, slumped and died.
The incident provoked immediate uprising and mob action, culminating into setting ablaze a police post.
Two police officers from Kara Police Outpost were said to have engaged in an ‘unauthorised stop-and-search operation’ at the scene of the incident.
Ayanlade Olayinka, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Oyo State Command in a statement, narrated that the 35-year-old motorcyclist, at the illegal check point, suddenly developed “epileptic seizure and became unresponsive”.
According to Ayanlade Olayinka, “Preliminary reports reveal that two police officers attached to the Kara Police Outpost, operating under the supervision of the District Officer, were allegedly carrying out an unauthorised stop-and-search operation when they intercepted Sanni Salisu, a 35-year-old okada rider.
“During the interaction, the motorcyclist suddenly developed what appeared to be an epileptic seizure, slumped on his motorcycle, and became unresponsive.
“In a swift effort to preserve life, the officers immediately conveyed him to Modupe Hospital, Akinyele, where he was confirmed dead by medical personnel.
The sudden nature of the incident, unfortunately, triggered tension within the area.”
