Police probe killing of Catholic priest in Kogi

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The Kogi Police Command has commenced a comprehensive investigation into the killing of Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi, whose lifeless body was discovered on July 29 in Ajaokuta Local Government Area of the state.

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ASP Afusat Saliu, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, disclosed this in a statement issued on Saturday in Lokoja.

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Saliu said that police operatives swiftly mobilised to the scene after receiving a report of the incident.

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She said the victim’s body was recovered and evacuated to a hospital, where a medical doctor confirmed him dead.

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According to her, the corpse was subsequently deposited at a mortuary for preservation and autopsy.

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She said that the deceased was later identified as Rev. Fr. Samuel Opeyemi of St. Paul Parish, Ayetoro Gbede, in Ijumu Local Government Area of Kogi.

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The spokesperson said that the Commissioner of Police in the state, CP Naziru Kankarofi, had directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for a thorough, discreet and professional investigation.

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“The directive is aimed at unravelling the circumstances surrounding the incident, identifying all persons connected with the crime and ensuring that those found culpable are brought to justice,” she said.

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Saliu appealed to members of the public to remain calm and refrain from speculation or the circulation of unverified information that could prejudice the ongoing investigation.

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She said investigators were actively pursuing all available leads and assured that the command would keep the public informed as investigations progressed.

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The command also assured the family of the deceased, the Catholic faithful and the general public that no effort would be spared to ensure that justice was served.

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(NAN)

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