Femi Ashekun/
The police, through the Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, has continued to defend the arrest of popular broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, while insisting the development had nothing to do with the ongoing trial of suspects in the murder of Timothy Adegoke.
Adegoke, a postgraduate student of Obafemi Awolowo University, had died mysteriously at Hilton Hotel and Resort, Ile-Ife, in November last year, and was secretly buried by some staff of the hotel.
The owner of the hotel, Prince Ramon Adedoyin, and six of his staff are currently standing trial in an Osun State High Court, Osogbo, for alleged complicity in Adegoke’s death.
Hamzat, founder of an Ibadan-based radio station, who has been at the forefront of the call for justice for the late Adegoke, was arrested by the police in Ibadan this morning and flown to Abuja, over unstated offences relating to violation of the CyberCrime law.
In a series of tweets, titled, ‘Timothy Adegoke’s Murder Case: The Known Facts – FPRO,’ via his personal handle, as part of efforts to defend the actions of the police, the Adejobi wrote:
“Nigerians need to know that the murder case of Timothy (Adegoke) has been charged to court. The police have done what we should do, investigation and case file sent to DPP as stipulated by the law.
“The prosecution has commenced for a while and the team comprises the AG Osun, the police, Mr Femi Falana and other senior lawyers who have indicated interest in the case. The accused have always been in custody.
“The arrest of Oriyomi (Hamzat) has nothing to do with the prosecution of the alleged in the murder case. Oriyomi Hamzat has a separate case to answer under the law. The CyberCrime act 2015 is clear on some issues.
“There is no need to cry out on the prosecution of the accused, since the government, the police and lawyers are doing the necessary. And every Nigerian has the right to take up any criminal or civil case up against whoever he so wishes. So no sentiment in this matter.
“So, let us be informed and guided that Oriyomi’s case can not, and will never tamper with or hinder the smooth prosecution of the accused in the ongoing murder case of Timothy. Thanks.”
In an earlier statement, titled, ‘Oriyomi Hanzat Was Arrested by Police with Warrant– Force PRO’ on the same matter, Adejobi had tweeted:
“The popular Ibadan-based broadcaster, Oriyomi Hamzat, was arrested in ibadan today by our Force Intelligence Bureau operatives in connection with a case of Cyber Bullying under investigation.
“Oriyomi’s arrest was sequel to his refusal to honour Police invitation severally, which prompted the police to secure a warrant for his arrest.
“We are looking into the petition written against him on his violation of the Cyber Crime Act, 2015, and necessary action will be taken to do justice in the matter. Further development will be communicated to you all.”
Several commentators have continued to question the Gestapo fashion in which Hamzat was arrested and bundled to Abuja, insisting that the caction of police was akin to killing an ant with a sledgehammer.
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