Ratings stab policeman to death, police, navy disagree

Four naval ratings have been accused of fatally stabbing a police officer, Abion Ezekiel, in Satellite Town, Amuwo Odofin, Lagos State.Information Guide Nigeria

PUNCH Metro gathered that Ezekiel and his colleagues were on a patrol around Oluti Street when the ratings, including Onyekachi Egwumian, 27; and Ebubechukin Growth, 28, who were on a motorcycle, were flagged down by the cops.

The ratings, who were supposed to be in mufti, were allegedly enraged by the policemen’s actions.

A dispute began between the males, which quickly devolved.

The naval ratings were accused of stabbing Ezekiel in the neck and injuring three bystanders who intervened.

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A source said, “The incident happened around 8.15pm on Saturday, December 3, 2022. It involved four naval ratings attached to the Nigerian Navy Pay Office, Apapa. The ratings were not wearing their uniform.

“They were riding a motorcycle when they attacked a team of policemen on patrol at Oluti, Satellite Town, and in the process, the naval ratings stabbed one of the policemen, ASP Abion Ezekiel, in the chest with a jack knife and injured three yet-to-be-identified passersby who attempted to mediate.

“When policemen were mobilised to the scene, the policeman and the three other victims were rushed to the Adeyemi Hospital, Satellite Town, for treatment. The policeman was confirmed dead by the doctor on duty. The three other injured passersby were treated and discharged.”JAMB portal

The state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, who confirmed the attack, said two of the ratings had been arrested.

He said, “The two naval ratings that were arrested have been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department, Yaba.

“The knife used in stabbing the policeman has been recovered. The motorcycle has also been impounded. The naval authorities have been notified alongside the family of the deceased policeman. We contacted the naval authorities so that the other naval ratings involved would be released to us.”NYSC portal

However, the Information Officer, Western Naval Command, Edward Yeibo, said the naval ratings did not stab the policeman to death.

He said, “There were two naval ratings involved. It was gathered that the naval personnel were blocked by two policemen on a bike and an argument ensued between the two naval ratings and the policemen.

“In the process, the policemen, numbering about eight, and some hoodlums gathered and started hitting the ratings. Consequently, one of the policemen cocked his rifle, released a shot and everybody scampered to safety. Currently, a preliminary investigation is ongoing by the intelligence unit of the navy and the naval police.”