A Lagos-based businessman, Abiodun Ariori has been declared wanted by the Nigeria Police Force over the violent clash in the Owode Onirin area of the state.
Ariori, the CEO of Prosperous Ariori Golden Venture Limited was declared wanted over a violent clash between traders and suspected land grabbers in the area.
Lagos police spokesperson, Ben Hundeyin in a statement said Ariori is wanted for his alleged role in the deadly confrontation.
Hundeyin said that the crisis broke out in the bustling market district of Owode Onirin leading to chaos and blockade of highways and access roads.
“The Lagos State Police Command swiftly responded to the recent unrest in the Owode Onirin area of Lagos State and restored normalcy, peace, law and order to the affected area.
“Consequent on the disturbance of public peace, law and order, blocking of highways and roads leading in and out of Owode Onirin Market as a result of the deadly clash between traders and land grabbers, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Olohundare Jimoh personally led a combined team of Police detachment comprising personnel of the Command’s operations department, the Police Mobile Force, Rapid Response Squad, Tactical squads and Detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) to the affected area and normalcy was restored. The roads were reopened to traffic and people started going about their lawful businesses,” Hundeyin said.
He also noted that the police have deployed adequate security operatives to the location even as normalcy has returned to the area.
He also noted that all efforts by the police to arrest Ariori have remained abortive as it has become obvious that he has gone into hiding.
According to the police, three persons sustained fatal injuries and a Police Inspector was seriously injured.
The police also stated that the three fatally injured persons were confirmed dead when they were rushed to the hospital.
The Police Inspector injured is in a critical and life-threatening condition at the hospital where he is receiving treatment.
“The wanted suspect, Abiodun Ariori, whose photograph is attached, with last known address in Egbeda, is dark in complexion. If seen, he should be arrested and handed over to the nearest police station or call the Lagos State Police Command control room on 08063299264, 09053872208, 08127155150, email: [email protected] or wherever he is, he should turn himself in at the nearest police station,” Hundeyin added.
He also noted that four police officers who were imported into Lagos by the wanted suspected land grabber have been identified and detained at the Command headquarters.
He noted that the detained officer would appear at the orderly room trial for going on illegal duty with the wanted suspect.
“The outcome of the investigation into the case and the trial of the policemen will be made public,” he added.
