The Edo State Government has petitioned Inspector General of Police Kayode Egbetokun following a violent incident on Thursday, July 18, 2024, which resulted in the death of a police inspector. The government has accused Philip Shaibu, the reinstated deputy governor, of instigating the violence while attempting to execute a Federal High Court judgment from Abuja, for which a stay of execution had been filed and an appeal entered.
The petition, signed by State Solicitor General Prof. Faith Osadolor on behalf of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, alleges that Shaibu hired armed thugs, including Tony Adun (aka Tony Kabaka), Daniel Eromosele (aka Pikolo), Efe Stewart, Joseph Okonigene, and Noah Amiolemen Idemudia, among others. This group is accused of causing mayhem in Benin City, leading to the death of Inspector Akor Onuh.
The government has urged the police to investigate thoroughly and bring Shaibu and his associates to justice if found guilty. The petition titled “Request to Investigate a Case of Conspiracy to Commit Murder, Murder, Malicious Damage to Property, Breach of Public Peace, and Assault Occasioning Harm by Former Deputy Governor of Edo State, Hon. Philip Shaibu and his Cohorts,” was addressed to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 5.
In the petition, the government expressed condolences to the Nigeria Police Force for the loss of Inspector Onuh, who was killed in the line of duty. They praised his bravery and commitment to protecting the public and offered their support to his family and colleagues.
The Attorney General recounted that on July 17, 2024, a Federal High Court in Abuja nullified Shaibu’s removal as deputy governor. An immediate appeal and motion for a stay of execution were filed, but Shaibu allegedly ignored these legal proceedings and took matters into his own hands by recruiting armed thugs.
On July 18, 2024, Shaibu and his associates reportedly invaded Benin Airport, fired shots, and moved into the city, attacking citizens and damaging property. The violence resulted in the death of Inspector Onuh and injuries to several others, including lawyers at the Nigerian Bar Association’s Benin Branch.
The government believes that Shaibu and his associates conspired to make Edo State ungovernable by taking over the government house and escalating violence. The Attorney General has called for a thorough investigation and accountability for those responsible, emphasizing that no one is above the law.