Police deny shooting motorcyclist in Kwara

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The Kwara State Police Command has denied shooting a 23-year-old motorcyclist, Abdurasaq Lukman, during a stop-and-search operation around Oyun Bridge, Ilorin, saying he allegedly knocked down one of its officers.

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The command said the incident occurred during a routine patrol and stop-and-search operation by its personnel on the highway leading to the Kwara State Polytechnic.

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The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday by the command’s Public Relations Officer, Adetoun Ejire-Adeyemi, following the circulation of a video on social media alleging that the motorcyclist had been shot by police officers.

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The statement partly read, “The Command is aware of a video circulating on social media concerning an incident involving a Police officer and a motorcyclist around Oyun Bridge, Ilorin.

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“The video has been accompanied by claims suggesting that the motorcyclist was shot by Police personnel.”

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The command, however, denied the allegation, saying “no person was shot”.

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According to the police, Lukman was riding at high speed when he allegedly knocked down Corporal Saka Azeez, one of the officers conducting the operation.

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“Abdurasaq Lukman, aged 23, a motorcyclist on top speed, knocked down Corporal Saka Azeez, one of the officers on duty.

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“The impact left the Corporal with serious head injuries and a fracture, while Abdurasaq Lukman also sustained minor injuries,” the statement added.

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The command said other officers at the scene immediately took both men to a medical facility for treatment.

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“Other officers at the scene immediately responded and conveyed both the injured officer and the motorcyclist to a medical facility for treatment.

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“Abdurasaq Lukman was treated and discharged; he is presently in police custody aiding investigations.

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“Corporal Saka Azeez remains under medical care and requires further medical examination and scans to ascertain the full extent of the head injury sustained,” the statement added.

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The police urged members of the public to verify information before sharing it.

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The Commissioner of Police, Ojo Adekimi, said, “The Command appreciates the legitimate concerns of citizens regarding Police activities. Verifying information before circulation remains important to prevent unnecessary anxiety and misunderstanding.”

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