Police investigate killing of youth by policeman at Lagos hotel

The police in Lagos State are investigating the alleged killing of a youth by a mobile policeman on the premises of a hotel in Alimosho Area on Thursday.

The policeman, attached to Erico Belisima Hotel on Olowologbon Street along Akowonjo-Egbeda Road, allegedly shot and killed the youth, identified as Niyi.

The youth had gone to the hotel with some friends to locate one of the guests, who allegedly owed him some money.

A source said Niyi and his friends allegedly laid siege outside the hotel gate in order to accost the guest on his way out of the premises.

The source said the presence of the young people attracted the attention of a hotel worker, who questioned them but receiving a beating instead of an explanation.

The worker’s cry for help attracted policemen attached to the hotel.

An argument ensued between the youths and policemen, who intervened, and as a result, a policeman allegedly shot Niyi in the leg.

The policeman allegedly gave a chase to the injured Niyi who was trying to escape and shot him in the head, it was further learnt.

The shooting caused a pandemonium in the area as people scampered for safety, witnesses said.

“The news of his death spread like a wildfire as angry youths stormed the hotel and caused damage to the structure while five cars belonging to customers of the hotel premises were vandalised.

“The angry youths also attempted to set the hotel ablaze but the quick response of the men of the Rapid Response Squad and other units of the Lagos State Police command, prevented them,” a source said.

Some persons arrested in connection with the incident have been moved to Shasha Police Station, while the Area Commander, Area M Command, Idimu, of Nigeria Police Force, ACP Austin Akika, guarded the area.

ASP Olarinde Famous-Cole, the Public Relations Officer of the Police Command in Lagos State, said he was awaiting briefing from the Divisional Police Officer of the Area before making further comments.