The suspects were captured by a search party organised by concerned residents following the officer's murder. Prime 9ja Online previously reported that the naval rating, attached to the Navy Secondary School in Imeri town, was gruesomely murdered by armed thugs.
According to an impeccable source, the suspects were captured at different locations within and outside the town. One of the suspects was apprehended while attempting to flee to Oka Akoko, while the other two were nabbed in their respective hiding places. The trio was promptly handed over to the police for further investigation and prosecution.
The source confirmed the arrests, stating, "I can confirm to you that three of the suspects had been handed over to the police while efforts are ongoing to apprehend others.
The killing of the naval officer has instilled fear and tension in the community, leading to a virtual desertion of the area. The once-bustling town has turned into a ghost town as residents fear reprisal attacks from the military. The community is gripped with unease, and even on market days, no one ventures out, avoiding encounters with navy personnel.
Ondo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Mrs. Funmilayo Odunlami-Omisanya, confirmed the arrests and revealed that the suspects have been transferred to the criminal department of the police state headquarters for further investigation. She added that the community's assistance has been instrumental in tracking down the arrested suspects and efforts are still ongoing to locate others involved in the incident. Mrs. Odunlami-Omisanya assured the public that the police are determined to bring all those responsible to justice.
The tragic incident unfolded when suspected thugs attacked the naval officer with an iron rod following a disagreement that sparked chaos in the community. The deceased was driving through the town when he inadvertently splashed water on a passenger of a commercial motorbike and a pedestrian with his vehicle. Realising the inconvenience caused, he promptly parked his vehicle and approached the individuals to apologise. However, his sincere apology was met with aggression as the cyclist and passenger rallied a group of thugs who mercilessly beat the officer to death.
The shocking murder of the naval rating has sent shockwaves through the community and beyond. The authorities, along with the cooperation of residents, are determined to bring all those involved to justice and restore peace and security to the area.