A local security guard, Sikiru Omotayo of Madu Street, Jakande Ajangbadi has been arrested in Lagos state for allegedly shooting dead a passerby he suspected to be a thief at Alaba International Market. Omotayo, a vigilante at Alaba International Market, reportedly shot at the victim on the suspicion that he wanted to burgle a shop. The bullet hit the victim, whose identity is yet-to-be identified, in the chest and he died on the spot.
This incident happened on the Christmas eve, and when the victim was searched, no incriminating item was found on him.
People have been blaming the guard saying he could have handled the situation differently. Even if he had a strong suspicion that the man was a thief and there was no means to stop him other than shooting, he should have shot him in the leg.
The police spokesperson in the state, DSP Bala Elkana, said the command had commenced investigation into the murder case after the case was reported by an executive member of the market and a police team mobilised to the scene. According to the Police chief, a police team visited the scene, took photographs and removed the corpse. Nothing incriminating was found on the deceased. The suspect was arrested and detained while one single-barrelled pump action with five live cartridges was recovered from him.
The corpse had been deposited at the Badagry General Hospital morgue for autopsy while the case had been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department for further investigation.
