In an alleged ecstasy to impress their paymaster, a team of police operatives, on Sunday, shot one dead, Elvis Ovie and injured another, Onome Eko, during a party in Warri, Delta State.
Operatives, three of whom are now in police detention, were said to have been in a shooting spree to impress an alleged internet fraud popularly called ‘yahoo yahoo boys’ for whom they were providing security.
Tribune Online gathered that the gun-wielding cops were led by one Insp. Imana Samuel, a Sergeant and a corporal from the Warri Area Command.
The vehicle reportedly used to hurriedly convey late Ovie and injured Eko to a hospital, it was gathered, also brushed off another unidentified victim who is now on admission in an undisclosed location.
Elder brother of late Ovie, while narrating the incident to journalists in Warri on Monday, said his late brother was at a child dedication ceremony when he was killed by the team of police.
“From what I know, my brother sells used clothes (okrika) at Igbudu Market and the lady in whose child dedication took place at N15 Ewor Street, Okumagba Layout, Warri, where he was killed, was his close customer who had invited him to the event, ” he affirmed.
Tribune Online later gathered that the killer-cops were later arrested by policemen attached to Warri ‘B’ Division headed by Mr Anietie Eyoh, the Divisional Police Officer, who declined to speak on the incident.
But a reliable source informed journalists that the cops were on illegal duty and had always been fond of hobnobbing with ‘yahoo yahoo’ boys for perks.
“Insp Imana led the team and one Tony did the shooting which killed Elvis. This team is fund of illegal duties, aiding and abetting these ‘419’ and ‘yahoo-boys’ they are supposed to be investigating and prosecuting.
“Luck ran out on them on Sunday when they provided escort in a private car for a gang of yahoo-boys led by one Benjy to the child dedication party.
“Apparently drunk and carried away by the perks from the Benjy, they started shooting to glorify the fraudsters as they engaged in Naira decoration of the celebrant.
“It was at that point they shot Elvis and Onome. Elvis died before getting to the hospital while Onome is nursing bullet wounds at a popular hospital in Warri, “the impeccable source noted.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Delta State, Command, DSP Andrew Aniamaka, confirmed the incident to journalists in Warri on phone.
According to him, “The police in question are undergoing investigation. They are being tried for professional misconduct. If found guilty, they will face the law. They will be brought to Asaba tomorrow (Tuesday).”
At the time of filing this report, the remains of Ovie have been deposited at the Warri Central Hospital Mortuary.
