The police have begun investigation into the suicide by one Inspector Okon Essien who was detained at the Criminal Investigation Department, CID, cell at Yaba, Lagos.
The investigation is on the order of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu.
Essien who was detained at the cell for allegedly shooting and killing one Hassan Usman Stanley was found to have committed suicide in the cell in the early hours of Wednesday.
In a statement issued by the spokesman of the Lagos State Police Command, DSP Bala Elkana, it was indicated that he might have committed suicide to avoid being tried for allegedly killing Usman.
The statement reads: “Police Inspector facing murder charges killed himself to avoid trial
“On 5/2/2020 at about 0130hours, one Inspector Okon Essien detained in State CID cell Yaba for allegedly shooting and killing one Hassan Usman Stanley ‘m’ was reported to have killed himself.
“The suspect was arrested at Akodo on 31/1/2020 at about 0240hours alongside three of his colleagues namely; Inspector Lawrence Adegboye, Inspector Olorunloju Olusegun and Sgt Ovbioghi Joseph.
“The police officers were said to have intercepted four suspects namely, Samson Ugonah ‘m’, Omachi Godwin ‘m’, Hassan Usman Stanley ‘m’ and Prosper Okoye ‘m’ along Area 12, Offshore Oil Dangote Refinery Project, Akodo.
“Inspector Okon Essien was alleged to have shot at one of the suspects, Hassan Usman Stanley, resulting in his death.
“The policemen were arrested and taken to State CID Yaba for investigation.
“While in custody, the said Inspector Okon Essien is alleged to have killed himself.
“His corpse is deposited at the mortuary for autopsy.
“The Commissioner of Police Lagos State, CP Hakeem Odumosu psc has ordered an in depth investigation into the case.
“Investigation is ongoing.”
