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It has been exactly two years since Taiwo Oyekanmi, the Director of Finance for the Ogun State governor's office, was tragically shot dead on the well-known Kuto Bridge in Abeokuta while returning from the bank, where he had withdrawn a significant amount of money for government use.
Fifty-one-year-old Oyekanmi was brutally killed by five masked gunmen on Wednesday, November 29, 2023, and to date, none of his assailants have been apprehended.
According to reports from DAILY POST, the gunmen hijacked the bullion van he was escorting as it was ascending the Kuto Bridge in Abeokuta. They opened fire on the official, smashed the bullion van's door with sledgehammers, and made off with an undisclosed sum of money belonging to the state government.
The accountant, who had been shot in the thigh just days after celebrating his birthday, was rushed to the state hospital in the Ijaye area of Abeokuta, where he ultimately succumbed to his injuries.
Sources from DAILY POST revealed that the police inspector assigned to accompany the bullion van was absent and had reportedly traveled at the time of the incident.
Government Offers N50m Reward for Killers
In response to the news of his death, the Ogun State Government issued a directive to track down the killers and promised a reward of N50 million to anyone who provides information leading to the arrest of the perpetrators.
Tokunbo Talabi, Secretary to the State Government, stated in a signed release that all information received would be treated with the highest level of confidentiality.
“The Ogun State Government has announced a reward of fifty (50) million naira for anyone with information that could lead to the arrest of the killers of the state’s Director of Finance and Administration (DFA), Mr. Taiwo Oyekanmi, on November 29, 2023, in Abeokuta,” the statement read.
“All information provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality,” the statement continued.
Following the announcement, police checkpoints were established at various locations throughout the state; however, not a single one of the killers has been apprehended.
Outgoing CP Expresses Regret One Year Later Over Failure to Apprehend Suspects
The former Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alamutu, lamented before his retirement that the command had yet to apprehend the assailants.
Alamutu expressed disappointment that no leads or claims had surfaced despite the Command's efforts, and he hoped that his successor would continue the pursuit of justice.
He stated, “My only regret in this state is that, up until now, we have not been able to apprehend the individual who shot the finance director. That remains my sole regret, and it ultimately comes down to the lack of information and leads. We have investigated various locations, even traveling to Ibadan.”
“But I trust that my successor will continue where we left off, as it is crucial to identify the culprit, and I hope for divine assistance for my successor,” he added.
Family Reiterates Demand for Justice After Two Years
Meanwhile, the family of the late Taiwo has once again called for justice, emphasizing that it is essential for their healing and recovery from the void left by his death.
In a statement released on Thursday, the deceased's elder brother, Lanre Oyekanmi, noted that they continue to live in fear because the criminals remain unpunished and free on the streets.
He acknowledged that while the government has moved on from the tragedy, the family is still in mourning.
Lanre confirmed that the government has fulfilled its commitments regarding the education of his three children and payment of the deceased's entitlements, but the criminals have yet to be arrested and prosecuted.
Oyekanmi stated, “The only promise that remains unfulfilled is the arrest and prosecution of those who murdered our late brother. The family needs closure.”
“The governor promised to leave no stone unturned in bringing the perpetrators to justice, but so far, it seems the government has moved on—unlike the family.”
“Now that we have a new police commissioner, should we assume that a case of such magnitude has been closed simply because a commissioner has retired?”
“The family deserves answers. But as long as the perpetrators are still at large, no one is safe. We are the ones suffering the consequences; who knows who could be next?” he added.
In response, the State Commissioner of Police, Lanre Ogunlowo, assured that the case remains open and that investigations are ongoing.
Ogunlowo stated, “The case has not been closed; it is an open investigation, and we are still pursuing it.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What happened to Taiwo Oyekanmi?
Taiwo Oyekanmi, the Director of Finance for Ogun State, was shot and killed on November 29, 2023, by masked gunmen while returning from the bank.
Has anyone been arrested for the murder?
As of now, no suspects have been apprehended in connection with the murder of Taiwo Oyekanmi.
What reward has the government offered for information about the killers?
The Ogun
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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