Former Chief of Staff to the Ogun State Governor and All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the Yewa South/Ipokia Federal Constituency, Dr. Oluwatoyin Emmanuel Taiwo, has called for an immediate and transparent investigation into the alleged killing of a resident, Mr. Owolabi Oniyiku, at a police checkpoint along the Atan–Ita-Ifonyintedo axis of Ipokia Local Government Area of Ogun State.
Taiwo, in a statement issued through his media team, also condemned the subsequent burning of two police facilities by aggrieved youths, urging residents and youths in the area to remain calm and pursue justice through lawful means.
He said the reported circumstances surrounding Oniyiku’s death, particularly allegations that he was killed at a police checkpoint, were deeply troubling and required urgent investigation by the relevant authorities.
According to him, if the allegations are established to be true, any police officer found culpable should face the full weight of the law.
“No citizen should lose his life under circumstances that raise questions about the conduct of those entrusted with the responsibility of protecting lives and property,” he said.
Taiwo, however, stressed that the destruction of police facilities and public property could not be justified, noting that violence should not become a response to alleged abuse of power.
He appealed to the Inspector-General of Police, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police and other relevant security authorities to urgently establish the circumstances surrounding the incident.
He called for the identification and questioning of officers who were present at the checkpoint and urged the authorities to make the outcome of the investigation known to the public.
“Justice must take its full course,” he said.
The APC candidate also expressed concern over reported allegations of harassment of motorists and commercial motorcycle operators along the area, saying such claims should not be ignored.
He urged the authorities to examine whether there had been previous complaints involving alleged police abuse or deaths in the area, arguing that any recurring pattern should be investigated to determine whether there were systemic problems requiring corrective action.
Taiwo further called for a comprehensive review of security checkpoints along the Ipokia border corridors.
While acknowledging the importance of checkpoints in securing Nigeria’s borders and protecting lives and property, he maintained that security personnel must operate within the law and under clearly defined procedures.
He said legitimate road users should not be subjected to arbitrary harassment, intimidation or extortion.
The former Chief of Staff also called for stronger engagement between security agencies and traditional rulers, community leaders, youth organisations and other stakeholders in Ipokia and neighbouring communities.
According to him, public confidence in security institutions can only be strengthened through professionalism, accountability, effective communication and mutual respect.
Taiwo extended his condolences to the family of the deceased, particularly Oniyiku’s wife and newborn child, describing the reported circumstances surrounding the death as devastating.
He urged youths and residents of Ifonyintedo, Ipokia and neighbouring communities to resist actions that could further escalate tensions or provide opportunities for criminal elements to exploit the situation.
“Violence cannot be the answer to an alleged abuse of power, just as alleged misconduct by security personnel cannot be excused because of the difficult security environment in which they operate,” he said.
Taiwo described Ipokia as a peaceful and resilient community and said residents deserved security that inspires confidence rather than fear.
He called on all stakeholders to allow the relevant authorities to conduct a credible investigation, stressing that the truth surrounding the incident must be established.
“Mr. Oniyiku’s family deserves justice. The people of Ifonyintedo deserve answers. Responsible police officers deserve protection from unfounded allegations, while any officer found to have acted unlawfully must be held accountable,” he said.
He further warned against any attempt at a cover-up or selective justice, insisting that the sanctity of human life must remain paramount.
Taiwo urged the police authorities to communicate the findings of their investigation to the public, saying a transparent resolution of the matter would help restore confidence in policing and promote peace across the border communities of Ipokia and the wider Yewa South axis.
