Apostle Suleman: DPO withdrawn over killing of detained suspect

The Commissioner of Police in Edo State State, Abutu Yaro, has ordered the withdrawal of the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) of Auchi Division, CSP Ayodele Suleman, over the controversial death of one of arrested suspected attackers on Friday of Apostle Johnson Suleman, in Auchi.

The suspect was after gunmen opened fire on the convoy of the clergyman along the Benin–Auchi Road on Friday. Seven persons were confirmed killed during the attack including police orderlies as well as Suleman’s aides while the cleric narrowly escaped.

In a viral video, a voice said to be that of a policeman was heard saying, “One of the kidnappers that was caught today (Friday) while the DPO, CSP Ayodele Sulaiman, led the operation along Iyewe-Auchi Road, and after a gun battle, this one (suspect) was gunned down while others escaped with bullet wounds. Bush combing is ongoing.”

A statement by the Edo police command said the DPO had been withdrawn.

“As part of the measures of the command concerning the circumstances that led to the death of one of the surviving members of the monstrous gang that attacked the convoy of Apostle Johnson Suleiman, General overseer of Omega Fire Ministry, the outgoing CP now AIG Abutu Yaro fdc has ordered the withdrawal of CSP Ayodele Suleiman, DPO Auchi for debriefing at the state headquarters with immediate effect,” said the statement signed by Edo police spokesman, Iwegbu Jennifer.