BEFORE handing over to his successor, the outgoing Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Marvel Akpoyibo, carried out what could be termed as his last official assignment in the state yesterday.

He presented 46-year-old Adedeji Idowu, who allegedly paid a gang of robbers to kill his United States (U.S.)-based mother.

Currently in police custody are Idowu, his wife Adebimpe Nusira, and three others named for their alleged role in the murder of the victim, Alhaja Sakirat Idowu, 65.
Akpoyibo explained that a chain of events led to the eventual robbing, shooting and killing of the late Alhaja Idowu, which he said started on November 5, 2010, when Adedeji, a graduate of Texas Southern University, U.S., allegedly went to members of a gang, said to be led by one Olusoji, and asked them to rob his mother.

Incidentally, the late Alhaja Idowu was billed to return to Nigeria from U.S. in December, last year.

Akpoyibo said: “Apparently to demonstrate his seriousness, Adedeji once again went to the gang for the second time on December 20, 2010, reconfirming the arrival date and time of his mum. Our investigations revealed that Adedeji took his wife, Adebimpe, a graduate of English Language, Lagos State University (LASU) and mother of one, into confidence, concerning the planned robbery attack, but the wife did nothing to dissuade, prevent, or avert the crime.
“By the time Sakirat returned to the country on December 1, 2010, the stage was set for her execution. On the day of her arrival, Adedeji, whose car shop is located along International Airport Road, and thus familiar with the airport environs, drove to the airport in company of one Alfa, to pick Sakirat. She was picked up about 9.30p.m. and driven to her residence at18, Akiti Avenue, Okota, Isolo, Lagos.”

The Nigerian Compass gathered that as soon as the late Alhaja arrived home, Adedeji allegedly excused himself from the welcome party, signaling the gang members to strike.
“They struck as prearranged, robbing the old woman of laptops, assorted jewelry, phones and cash in U.S. denomination. She was shot in the chest and died instantly,” narrated Akpoyibo.

Investigation had shown that the attack was allegedly carried out by Olusoji, Irabor, Owolowo and Ambali.

The suspects were said to have arrived the victim’s residence in a BMW salon car, belonging to Ambali. They also escaped in the same car after killing the woman.
Akpoyibo continued: “Investigation has also shown that Adedeji and Adebimpe participated in the sharing of the proceeds of the robbery. Adedeji got two laptops, a Blackberry phone and cash of $200. Adebimpe got assorted jewelry, all belonging to the deceased.

“Most of these items had been sold to receivers. One of the laptop was sold to one Mujib at the Computer Village for undisclosed amount. The Blackberry phone was sold to another buyer at the Computer Village for N15, 000 and some of the jewelry sold to a street buyer in Yaba for N50, 000. The police have recovered one of the victim’s laptops and jewelry from Adedeji and Adebimpe.”

According to Akpoyibo, when a search was carried out on the home of Olusoji, two live cartridges and a huge collection of charms were found.

He said the police are, however, hunting for other gang members still at large, including the armourer, who allegedly shot and killed the business woman.