The Criminal Investigation Department of the Lagos police, says 12 suspects have been arrested in connection with the murder of a Chief Superintendent of Police, Kazeem Abonde.

A former Operations Officer of the command, Mr Abonde was killed on September 23 during a raid on criminal hideouts at Ajao Estate, Lagos.

The spokesperson for the Lagos command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, said that the suspects were arrested after a diligent investigation was carried out.

“The arrest of one Ismaila Abdullahi Haruna, aged 23 years, and 11 other suspects was made possible as a result of a four-week intensive but diligent investigation carried out by crack detectives of the Command.

“The suspects, who confessed to the crimes of conspiracy, murder, attempted murder and wilful damage, were arrested in their criminal hideouts in Lagos and Nasarawa States where they were hibernating to evade arrest after the dastardly act.

“During interrogation, the suspects gave a blow-by-blow account of how the brutal attack on the deceased police officer and other injured police officers was carried out and the criminal roles each played.

“Their arrest was facilitated by credible, actionable intelligence,” Mr Ajisebutu revealed in a statement issued on Tuesday.

The spokesperson added that all the suspects will be arraigned at the Yaba Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday.

“Recall that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, had in a press release issued on September 24 vowed to arrest all suspects involved in the attack on the policemen.

“While thanking the bereaved family and other members of the public for their patience, understanding and support, the Commissioner of Police, vowed to ensure diligent prosecution of the case.

“The police, therefore, seek further cooperation of members of the public, particularly the Command’s strategic partners, by giving additional information that could lead to the arrest of other suspects still at large,” Mr Ajisebutu added. 

(NAN)