BENIN CITY-The Commissioner of Police in Edo State Mr Fimihan Adeoye has paraded 35 suspected criminals, declaring that Edo state is safe for the conduct of the Sept. 28 gubernatorial election and other legitimate activities.
COPOL Fimihan stated this during his maiden press briefing at the state police command headquarters, Benin City, yesterday.
While expressing concern over some media reports that have raised false alarm about the security in the state, he advised residents to disregard such rumours as the state is not under any siege.
“Let me cease this opportunity to let all and sundry to know that the command is doing is to investigate the criminal content of whatever act that is reported to us or comes to our knowledge.
“We are not interested in whatever political party anybody belongs.
“What we are seeking to do is to rid this state of every form of crime and criminality so that law-abiding citizens of this state and even foreigners alike can go about their lawful business without any form of intimidation.
“So we will not like anybody, giving what we are doing any political coloration.
“We are police officers, loyal to this country and shadow with the responsibility of protecting lives and property”. CP Adeoye noted.
He however solicited for the cooperation of law-abiding citizens in the fight against crime and criminality.
The 35 suspects were allegedly apprehended for various criminal offences ranging from kidnapping, armed robbery, pipeline vandalism, cultism to unlawful possession of firearms.
Seven vehicles including four Camry cars, Arms, ammunition, electronics, bicycle, beverages and manual blender were among items said to have been recovered from the suspects.
One of the suspects who identified himself as Gen. Pere, an ex-militant said that his younger brother who was arrested with a double barrel gun led policemen to his residence last Friday.
General Pere stated that his brother had told the police that his elder brother Pere can bail him out of the problem as when he drove himself to the police command headquarters seek audience with state Commissioner of Police, he was detained.
Some other suspects however confessed to the crime.
