Osogbo Shooting: Police assure transparent forensic probe

2026-03-16 - 12:47

...Two Customs Officers in Custody By Kingsley Omonobi The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) has assured the public of a transparent and thorough investigation into the fatal shooting incident in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo, Osun State, involving two officers of the Nigeria Customs Service (NCS), which resulted in the death of a civilian. In a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the police acknowledged growing public concern over the incident and the reaction from the Customs Service. The police said while it recognises the statutory responsibilities of the NCS in anti-smuggling operations, it remains guided by the principle that the sanctity of human life must always be upheld. According to the statement, the Kayode Egbetokun, the Inspector-General of Police, has taken note of the Customs Service’s call for a harmonised investigation and assured both the agency and the public that the probe—currently being handled by the Osun State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID)—will be conducted with the highest level of forensic diligence. Police also disclosed that the two suspects, Kolawole Suuti and Danjuma Samuel, remain in custody to assist with the ongoing investigation. Recovered exhibits, including a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024 and 9mm ballistic evidence, are undergoing specialised forensic analysis as investigators work to establish the facts and determine whether the actions taken complied with established Rules of Engagement. The Force emphasised that the relationship between the police and the Customs Service remains professional and strong, warning against attempts to portray the tragic incident as an inter-agency conflict. “The NPF and NCS maintain a robust, professional relationship. This incident is being treated as a matter of individual professional accountability,” the statement said. The police also urged the public to avoid sensationalising the matter, noting that both agencies remain committed to ensuring justice for the deceased. The Force further extended condolences to the victim’s family and pledged that the outcome of the investigation would reflect the rule of law and the principles of justice under the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. Earlier, the Osun State Police Command confirmed that two Customs officers were arrested in connection with the shooting incident that occurred on March 15, 2026, in the Dada Estate area of Osogbo. The suspects were reportedly pursuing suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles when the incident occurred. Police operatives responded to the scene and arrested the officers. During the incident, the driver of an ash-coloured Toyota Corolla—one of the vehicles allegedly being chased—was shot and later confirmed dead by a medical doctor at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital. His body has since been deposited in the hospital morgue, while his identity has yet to be confirmed. Items recovered at the scene include a Beretta pistol with breech number 125024, eleven rounds of 9mm live ammunition, one expanded 9mm shell, a white Toyota Corolla with registration number AAA 400 GQ (Lagos), and an ash Toyota Corolla with registration number GFQ 0982 (Texas). The Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Ibrahim Gotan, has ordered a comprehensive investigation to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident. Meanwhile, the Oyo/Osun Area Command of the Nigeria Customs Service expressed sadness over the development, noting that its officers were on routine enforcement duty along the Osogbo axis attempting to intercept suspected smuggled foreign-used vehicles. The command said it deeply regrets the loss of life and extended condolences to the family of the deceased, while reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that enforcement operations are carried out with professionalism and respect for human life. The Customs Service also stated that it has begun its own internal review of the incident, including an audit of the operational mandates of the officers involved, to determine whether their actions complied with the service’s Rules of Engagement. It added that while the NCS maintains a strong working relationship with the Nigeria Police Force, it supports a harmonised and objective investigation that will consider all forensic evidence, including the origin of the discharged ammunition.