By Ibrahim Kegbegbe
The Chief Executive Officer of Bullion Hotel, Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi, has leveled serious allegations against a group of thugs who in collaboration with officers from Shimawa Police Station allegedly invaded his establishment on Tuesday, October 3, 2023. In a scathing critique of the officers’ actions, Ajadi described their behavior as unskilled and unprofessional, asserting that they displayed none of the qualities expected of law enforcement personnel in the discharge of their duties.
According to Ajadi, the officers together with the thugs who were heavily armed stormed the hotel in a commando manner early hour of Tuesday without any legal authorization and therefore intimidating and embarrassing the occupants of the hotel.
He moved further to say that the invasion unfolded in a disturbing manner and that it should raise questions about the conduct of those involved.
He said that one of the most concerning aspects of the incident was the absence of a search warrant.
He added that the police officers moved from one room to another searching underneath beds and wardrobes and giving blanket protection to thugs who stole items belonging to the staff and guests who came to lodge in the hotel.
He said,” It was unfortunate for the officers and the thugs/cultists as their illegal and nefarious activities were captured by CCTV.”
Furthermore, Ambassador Ajadi highlighted that the officers were not properly attired. Instead of the standard police uniform and boots, they appeared to be wearing casual shirts and slippers, a stark deviation from the expected dress code.
Our correspondent was told that the situation escalated when the officers, upon entering the hotel, allegedly assaulted the security personnel on duty at the hotel. Security staff members were subjected to physical abuse, including slaps and beatings, during the course of the invasion.
A disturbing twist to the incident was the apparent involvement of thugs who came with unlawful possession of arms with the police officers. These individuals were accused of assaulting hotel guests, creating a chaotic and unsafe environment within the establishment.
Ajadi said it was unfortunate for the officers and the thugs/cultists as their illegal and nefarious activities were captured by CCTV cameras within the hotel premises which showed footage of the officers engaging in unprofessional activities.
He moved further to say that the footage allegedly shows the police officers and the thugs manhandling the security personnel in the hotel, stealing money, mobile phones, power banks meant for phone recharging, and other valuable belongings belonging to both hotel staff and guests.
Adding to the growing list of concerns, the head of the legal team of Ajadi, Barrister Isaac Izunya, said the Shimawa Divisional Police Officer (DPO) reportedly detained the individuals who had filed complaints about the incident and labeled them as suspects while releasing the original attackers and marking them as complainants.
Izunya said, “the DPO did not just stop at that but went ahead to make a case of attempted murder for the alleged complainants, who left their various homes to come to the hotel and launch this unprovoked attack. The poser that will be calling for an answer is, how can someone who was attacked in his own apartment be facing the case of attempted murder?”
“There was no arrest warrant to back up the illegal arrest made by the police officers and the physical assault meted out on the staff and the hotel’s guests,” he said.
Ambassador Olufemi Ajadi and his legal team have called for a thorough investigation into the actions of these officers, demanding accountability and justice for the alleged misconduct. The incident has raised serious questions about the conduct and professionalism of law enforcement personnel in the region, prompting calls for reform within the police force.
As investigations into the matter are ongoing, the public awaits further details regarding the actions taken against the accused officers and the thugs involved in the incident.
The events at Bullion Hotel serve as a stark reminder of the importance of upholding professionalism and integrity within the police force to maintain public trust and safety.