Police Investigation Disputes Senator’s Allegations in Aide’s Murder

A police investigation has contradicted the accusations made by Senator Olamilekan Adeola against the Nigerian Army regarding the murder of his aide, Adeniyi Sanni. The Senator had previously claimed that soldiers from the 9 Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment were responsible for the killing. However, recent revelations have shifted the focus away from the military.

Sanni’s mysterious death occurred in the early hours of Saturday, August 5, 2023. He had contacted his wife, stating that he was at a checkpoint manned by individuals in military uniform. Moments later, he went missing, and his wife raised the alarm. A search party discovered his lifeless body by the roadside, riddled with gunshot wounds.

Senator Adeola had been vocal in accusing the Nigerian Army, alleging that his aide was killed by soldiers who also stole his car. He cited a similar incident involving soldiers at an Ojodu-Berger checkpoint, further intensifying his claims.

Young men in Lagos had reported harassment by individuals in military uniform, targeting new cars on the road. These individuals were accused of killing drivers and stealing their vehicles, leading to Senator Adeola’s conviction that Sanni’s death was at the hands of the army.

However, subsequent developments have cast doubt on these allegations. Suspects arrested in connection with Sanni’s murder confessed to their involvement in the crime. While they were wearing military attire during the operation, they disclosed that they were not members of the Nigerian Army.

The suspects, identified as Fred Azeez Okunnu, Lucky Idudu Michael, and Adedigba Segun, were found to be ex-convicts. They were apprehended with military items, including camouflage vests and jungle boots, along with a stolen vehicle. The gang reportedly received support from an individual in Benin Republic known for robbing motorists of unregistered vehicles.

In the wake of these revelations, Senator Adeola, through his media aide, Kayode Odunaro, maintained that he would officially react to the circumstances surrounding his aide’s death based on the information available to him. He acknowledged the efforts of security agencies and the media in the ongoing investigation, which has now taken an unexpected turn.