Why, how we killed Naval officer — Suspects confess

In a shocking development, three suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Sub-Lieutenant Samuel Akingbohun, a Naval Officer, in Ido-Ani, Ose Local Government Area of Ondo State, have confessed to the crime.

The suspects, identified as Ayomide Sambo, Johnson Adeleke, and Shagari Francis, revealed their motives and the grisly details surrounding the officer’s death, which followed an altercation.

During their parade by the state police command, the suspects, who had recently completed secondary school in the town, recounted how they used an iron rod to assault the deceased officer, striking him on the head and scrotum.

Twenty-year-old Ayomide Sambo revealed that the incident occurred when the naval officer physically assaulted his friend, Johnson Adeleke. The altercation began when the officer slapped and headbutted Adeleke while contesting the right of way in the community.

Angered by the officer’s actions, the suspects pursued him and cornered him at a junction, where they launched the attack.

Sambo explained,

“We were on our way to collect a power bank when we encountered the naval officer. He was coming from the opposite direction, and the portion he was coming from was bad. We were both trying to take a good path when my friend used his shoulder to shove the officer.”

Sambo continued,

“In annoyance, the naval officer slapped him and also gave him a headbutt. We started to beg the naval officer. After the naval officer had left, my friend said it was fake military personnel. It was then that we took a bike and traced him to the junction and challenged him.”

Describing the violent encounter, Sambo admitted to using the iron rod to strike the officer, while his friend also joined in the assault. However, Sambo claimed that his two friends were now denying their involvement, placing the blame solely on him.

Johnson Adeleke, aged 20, disputed his participation in the beating and killing of the officer.

He stated,

“When I was on my way to remove my power bank, I mistakenly hit my elbow with the navy officer. He slapped me and gave me a headbutt. At that moment, we didn’t know that he was a naval officer.”

Adeleke emphasized that he did not strike the officer, insisting that it was Sambo who inflicted the blows. He added, “I was already out of Idoani in a bid to escape when my mother’s elder brother called me to report to the station.”

The third suspect, 17-year-old Shagari Francis, denied any involvement in the assault, claiming that he was merely accompanying his friends.

Francis stated, “I didn’t hit the naval officer. I was just following them. I was arrested when my mother took me to the station to ask if I was part of them.”

Funmi Odunlam, the spokesperson for the state police command, confirmed that the suspects would face prosecution after completion of the police investigation.

Odunlam revealed,

“Ayomide Sambo was one of those mobilized to the scene, and when he got there, he carried an iron rod, hit him on his head and his testicles, and started stoning him. Later, he became unconscious, and he was rushed to the hospital in the town, where he was confirmed dead by the doctor.”

The incident has sent shockwaves through the community, as the tragic loss of Sub-Lieutenant Samuel Akingbohun highlights the dangers of escalating altercations.

The investigation will continue as authorities work towards bringing justice for the slain naval officer.