A police officer was killed on Tuesday by an internet fraudster also known as a Yahoo boy at the Moniya area of Akinyele Local Government Area, Ibadan.

According to eyewitness accounts, the deceased police officer was killed after stopping the said Yahoo boy for a routine stop and search check.

Accounts on the cause of the death of the police officer were conflicting as some people at the scene claimed the police officer mistakenly shot himself while making an attempt to shoot the Yahoo boy while others said he was hit by a stone hauled at him by said the fraudster.

The eyewitnesses, however, said the whereabouts of the alleged killer of the officer were unknown as he was said to have fled the crime scene.

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Confirming the incident in a statement, the Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Adewale Osifeso, said preliminary investigation revealed that the patrol team while acting on credible intelligence through visible policing duties extended their presence around major black spots, highways and major roads under Akinyele Local Government Area axis in a bid to deter criminal elements from settling and establishing dominance within the location.

He said the team of operatives on patrol led by one Inspr Stanley Ikhine, flagged down an Ash-colored Lexus 350 Jeep with a faintly inscribed worn-off number further arousing suspicion from the officers on watch.

In the process, the vehicle initially slowed down in compliance with the directive before eventually picking up speed and dashing off to evade the officers on duty.

His statement read: “This action led to a chase by the officers in a bid to establish further clarity of facts.”

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“A few meters away from the initial stoppage point, the Lexus Jeep veered off the road to a nearby garage, driving directly into the waiting hands of hoodlums who were also collaborators in the criminal process, thereby not only obstructing the officers from discharging their duties but as well aiding the escape of the SUV and its occupants.”

“Consequent on the above, the hoodlums attacked the officers unprovoked and attempted forcefully dragging a rifle from one of the officers which led to a shot being discharged from the barrel during the process of the struggle.”

“Sadly, the gallant officer paid the supreme price, suffering a heavy blow to his skull inflicted by one of the hoodlums while preventing them from dispossessing him of his firearm.”

“The body of the deceased has since been deposited at the State Morgue for Post-mortem while (7) Seven persons have been arrested alongside (12 ) Twelve Motorcycles impounded in connection with the incident.”

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“In another development, while re-iterating the Command’s respect and cordiality for the Fourth Members of the Estate of the Realm, the CP has ordered a discreet investigation into circumstances that led to the arrest of Mr John Alabi, the Oyo State Correspondent of Silverbird Television who was allegedly apprehended by operatives in the heat of the incident.”

“Penultimately, the Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department (DC SCID) has been assigned to take over the case for detailed investigations.”

“Lastly, residents are advised to go about their lawful businesses without fear of harassment or molestation.”

“Updates would be provided accordingly, please,” the statement stated.