Police rule out foul play in officer’s death

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013  

Ogunkoya

On September 14, 2013, the police officer in charge of Anti-Robbery Section at the Ogun State Criminal Investigation Department, Fola Ogunkoya, was on his way to the Ijebu Ode area of the state when he died in a car accident.

PUNCH Metro learnt that Ogunkoya, a Superintendent of Police, died after his car, a Honda Accord, otherwise known as End of Discussion, with plate number MZ 717 AAA, somersaulted many times and hit another oncoming vehicle.

It was learnt that after colliding with a Toyota Prado Sports Utility Vehicle, Ogunkoya’s vehicle split into pieces and an explosion occurred.

Following the incident, there was a theory that his accident and death was caused by a bomb explosion.

PUNCH Metro learnt that after his death, the Explosive Ordinance Disposal unit in the state commenced investigations and conducted tests on his vehicle.

Police Public Relations Officer for the state command, Muyiwa Adejobi, told our correspondent on the telephone on Monday that the police had closed investigations as there was no evidence of foul play or bomb blast.

He said, “Around 3.30pm on the said date, SP Ogunkoya was on his way to a function at Ijebu Ode. On getting to Day Waterman College end of Abeokuta-Sagamu Expressway, he lost control of his vehicle and crossed three lanes. His vehicle hit a pole on the road divider but kept moving.

“The vehicle was torn in pieces and its roof removed. The vehicle crossed to the other side of the road and hit a Toyota Jeep and the Jeep also lost control, hit a culvert and caught fire. The owner of the jeep sustained broken legs but survived.

“Following reports of a bomb, the Commissioner of Police, EOD, Abdulmajid Ali, commenced investigations and it was concluded that no explosive element was found in the vehicle.”

Meanwhile, it was learnt that Ogunkoya, a graduate of Olabisi Onabanjo University had been buried in Ijebu Ode.

PUNCH Metro learnt that the deceased, who also held a Master’s degree from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom, is survived by his wife and three children.

“His death is a great loss to the entire police and we want to urge members of the public not to peddle rumours over the incident.

“However, anybody that suspects foul play or has contrary information should feel free to report to the police,” the PPRO stated.