Nearly a year after the tragic murder of Taiwo Oyekanmi, a Director of Finance in Ogun State, his family has expressed frustration over the delay in bringing his killers to justice.
In an interview on Thursday, the deceased’s brother, Tayo Oyekanmi, described the loss as a deeply painful experience that continues to haunt the family. “It’s an unfortunate and unforgettable experience for everyone connected to Taiwo. The scar will never heal in time, especially that of his mother. It will always be there,” he said.
Taiwo was brutally murdered on November 30, 2023, during an armed robbery on the Kuto flyover in Abeokuta. The attack occurred while he was returning from the bank in a bullion van loaded with N112.335 million. Armed robbers reportedly used a sledgehammer to smash into the van after intercepting it with their Toyota vehicle.
The van’s occupants included the driver, identified as Lekan Akintoye, and another individual, Peter Samson. However, Taiwo was the only victim shot dead by the assailants, who used an AK-47 rifle.
The Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, had described the incident as premeditated, suggesting the attackers were tipped off.
“The gunmen must have been well-informed by an insider about the movement of the cash,” he stated. Alamutu also disclosed that the bullion van was unescorted by police officers at the time, as the assigned Mobile Police officer, Inspector Rasheed Adegbite, had reportedly traveled to Igbo-Ora, Oyo State, without authorization.
Despite initial assurances from the police, Taiwo’s family remains in the dark about the investigation’s progress. Speaking on behalf of the family, Tayo urged law enforcement to expedite the process and ensure closure.
“As a family, we need proper closure for a heinous crime of that magnitude. We believe the police can unravel the riddles behind the act of criminality that cut short the life of our brother, throwing us into sorrow and negative historical references,” he said.
While acknowledging that the state government, led by Governor Dapo Abiodun, had fulfilled promises made to the immediate family, Tayo appealed for more pressure on security agencies.
“We sincerely appreciate the governor for easing our burden. However, we urge him to ensure that the police, DSS, and other security agencies intensify efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. With these criminals still at large, no one is safe,” he concluded.
The state’s Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, had yet to respond to inquiries about the case as of Thursday. However, the governor’s Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, urged the family to remain patient.
“What I am aware of is that the police are on the matter. While investigations into such incidents may take time, there is an assurance that the perpetrators will be brought to justice. Delay is not denial,” Akinmade stated during a telephone conversation.
The family emphasized that seeking justice transcends their personal loss, noting it is about fostering a secure and peaceful society for all.
