Brother of corps member ‘killed by police’ in Ogbomoso seeks justice, petitions house of reps

Israel Iyanda, brother to Damilola Iyanda, a corps member, allegedly shot dead by a police officer in Ogbomoso, Oyo state, has petitioned the house of representatives.

Olamijuwonlo Alao-Akala, lawmaker representing Ogbomoso north, south and Oriire federal constituency of Oyo, presented the petition on the floor of the green chamber on Tuesday.

Damilola was allegedly killed last month at a nightclub in Ogbomoso.

The deceased corps member who was serving in Ibadan, the state capital, was said to have attended the convocation party of Israel when the incident happened.

Damilola was allegedly shot after the club owner invited the police — when a fight broke out — to put the situation under control.

In the petition dated April 26, 2024, Isrea denied the claim by the police that he and his late brothers are members of a secret cult.

“After the convocation ceremony at noon, we went to a lounge at Under G named Reeplay. We were inside the Lounge when we heard people fighting outside,” the petition reads.

“While this was ongoing, trigger-happy policemen of the Nigeria Police Force started shooting sporadically into the air, in an attempt to avoid being shot, we tried to rush to the car, but unfortunately, my brother got hit by a stray bullet in his head and he instantly died.

“I was also hit by a stray bullet on my left arm, which I am currently at the hospital for. With grief in my heart, I am left to ask how our aged parents will bear this loss. 

“He (deceased) only came to celebrate with me. He was a serving corps member of his country. My family is in immeasurable sorrow due to this horrible incident. My brother’s only crime was to have come to celebrate my convocation ceremony with me.

“We never had any confrontation with anybody, and we tried to leave because we were raised to avoid trouble where there is any. 

“In the bid to cover their recklessness up, the Police Command is claiming that we are cultists. My brother’s life mattered and so do all our lives. Please, do not let them get away with this.

“If they can shoot someone unprovoked, the question then is who else is safe in Nigeria? I write on behalf of my family.

“Please, help us ensure my brother, Damilola does not die in vain. Help give immediate justice for the death of my brother so that another parent’s child does not go through what Damilola went through. We cannot afford to lose him in vain.”

The petitioner asked the house to “expedite action” to ensure that the alleged killer cop is brought to justice.

“Also, the entire Monitoring Force in Ogbomoso should be investigated for bullying and harassment of students,” the petitioner said.