Union official kills okada rider in Ogun

Azeez Ahmed

A commercial motorcyclist (popularly called okada rider), Azeez Ahmed, has been killed in Ifo, in the Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, over ticket collection.

It was gathered that the incident, which occurred on Sunday, was caused by an argument over the collection of okada riders’ ticket. The argument led to a fight between him and an official of the Articulate Motorcyclists Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria, identified as Kola Adegbite.

Our correspondent gathered that Ahmed was accosted by Adegbite at the Bank bus stop and told to purchase the day’s ticket, which led to the argument.

It was learnt that the okada rider was surrounded by Adegbite and other AMORAN officials who were on duty. They pounced on Ahmed.

The barrage of blows forced Ahmed to the ground. It was said that while others left the rider alone, Adegbite allegedly hit him with a charm.

Our correspondent gathered that sensing that the charm had taken hold of Ahmed, Adegbite attempted to run away.

He was, however, forced to take the dying rider to the General Hospital, Ifo, where Ahmed eventually died.

Adegbite was consequently detained at the Ifo Police Division.

Ahmed’s brother, Azeez Akeem, described him as a gentleman, saying the attitude of the AMORAN ticketing officers in the area was condemnable.

He said, “The government should come to our aid so that this case will not be swept under the carpet. This is a murder case and should be treated as such.”

The Chairman of AMORAN in the Ifo Local Government Area, Alhaji Nurudeen Jimoh, said the union did not send Adegbite to kill Ahmed or any other okada rider.

He said, “The standing order for our officials is to avoid any argument that can lead to fight between them and okada riders.

“I am still in shock. How could an argument over ticket degenerate into killing? That is a clear violation of our mode of operation.”

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said, “The police recorded a case of two fighting between an okada rider and another okada ticketing officer, which eventually led to the death of the motorcyclist, identified as Ahmed.

“The police have already commenced investigation towards arresting others who joined Adegbite in beating Ahmed. Anybody found culpable will be prosecuted.”

Adejobi said the state Commissioner of Police, Abdul-Majid Ali, had directed the State Department of Criminal Investigation to take over the matter.

Source:PUNCH