Ojomu Family: Forum slams Police conduct
Ojomu Royal Family’s Youth Forum in Ajiran, Eti-Osa Local Government of Lagos State, has said Lagos State Police Command cannot embark on a media trial in an alleged murder case.
Ojomu Royal Family’s Youth Forum in Ajiran, Eti-Osa Local Government of Lagos State, has said Lagos State Police Command cannot embark on a media trial in an alleged murder case.
Speaking at a briefing in Lagos, the forum’s counsel, Adedotun Ajulo Esq., said the police accused Tajudeen of sponsoring multiple murders without probe. It said at no time was Tajudeen invited for questioning.
It said: “At no time did he refuse or fail to honour police invitation. At no time was a warrant of arrest issued against him by a court of competent jurisdiction.
“At no time was any judicial authorisation or order obtained to declare him wanted. Despite these concerns, on February 20, the Police commissioner convened a briefing in which the full image of Tajudeen was displayed and he was accused of sponsoring multiple murders.
“This declaration exposed him to public odium, ridicule, and reputational harm, all without the benefit of due process.
“In the aftermath of the briefing, hoodlums allegedly sponsored by the opposing parties destroyed properties and assets belonging to Tajudeen, as well as those of other members of the youth wing perceived to be aligned with him.
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“These attacks underscore the consequences of deploying law enforcement in a manner that inflames communal hostilities rather than preserving order.
“Subsequently, there has been an intimidating presence of military personnel and police in the community, a development that has further harass, threaten, and denigrate our clients.
“Meanwhile, opposing parties enjoy protection, enabling them to persist in dissipation of the community’s patrimony without resistance or accountability.
“The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, particularly Section 41, regulates the circumstances under which a citizen may be declared wanted.
“These conditions were not met. Furthermore, the courts have held that the publication of a wanted notice without lawful authority is unconstitutional, illegal, and liable to be set aside.
“We emphasise that our clients are not opposed to probe. They have cooperated with law enforcement agencies and were previously exonerated. ‘‘
