Death of Keke Driver Vs Police Controversy: Police deny Keke Driver died in their Custody

…He died due to stabbing injury from Vulcanizer–PPRO, DSP Omoni

By Ibrahim Bakare

The Rivers State Police Command has denied the that Keke Driver died in its custody, at Woji Estate Police in Obio/Akpor Local Government of Rivers State.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the Rivers state Police Command, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, told newsman that the deceased had a fight with a Vulcanizer, which resulted in the death of PraiseGod John, the Keke Driver.

The Police Public Relation Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, noted strongly that the Keke Driver died as a result of an issue he had that lead to a fight with the Vulcanizer, Goodwin Jegede, which resulted to the suspect stabbing the deceased to death.

He said the Vulcanizer and those suspected to be involved in the murder have been arrested and transferred to State Criminal Investigation Department,SCID, for further investigations.

Command’s Spokesman also warned the protesting Keke drivers’ Union not to take laws into their hands by vandalizing properties over the death of one of its member, PraiseGod John, as the law does not recognize self-help.

However, the cousin to the deceased Keke driver, Godbless Monday, had earlier alleged that his brother died at the Police Station, asserting that after the fight with the Vulcanizer, he was rearrested by the Police and was only confirmed dead in the hospital where he was rushed to. He said the DPO seized his phone while he was making calls to alert Civil Societies Organisation of the incident.

Our Correspondent learnt that after the late Keke Driver was asked to go on bail, he found out that the Tyres of his Keke were deflated and was asked to use the Services of “official Police Vulcanizer”, who charges suspects of impounded vehicles at exorbitant rate as compared with other Vulcanizers in the state. The exorbitant charges for pumping the deflated Tyres led a heated argument and a fight.

The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Nnamdi Omoni, also said the Police is aware of the incidents and pockets of crime reported within the state due to the Covid19 lockdown and said the Command is on top of the situation as all criminals and hoodlums terrorizing the area will be apprehended soon.