By Oluseye Ojo, Ibadan
The former Chairman, Disciplinary Committee, Park Management System (PMS) in Oyo State, Alhaji Mukaila Lamidi, fondly called Auxiliary, may be jointly prosecuted for murder, threats to life, illegal possession of arms and ammunition, as well as other related offences by the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and Department of State Services (DSS).
The fact surfaced on Thursday when Lamidi, was brought to the Oyo State Police headquarters at Eleyele, Ibadan, by operatives of DSS. He had been in the custody of DSS for some days over similar criminal allegations against him.
Though journalists were not allowed to move close to Auxiliary for any form of interview, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Adebola Hamsat, briefed newsmen on the appearance of Lamidi at the police headquarters.
The CP said Auxiliary would be arraigned in court for alleged murder and other criminal charges soon.
Auxiliary, who wore a white long-sleeve shirt and a pair of jean trousers, was brought to the command headquarters at 10:45 am in a white KIA salon car, marked 106 in a leg chain and handcuffs.
Adebola revealed that the police and other security agencies had launched a manhunt for Auxiliary, since he was declared wanted on June 2, 2023, in connection with allegations of murder, attempted murder, arms dealing, armed robbery and kidnapping.
“Recall that this declaration was made in furtherance of a well-coordinated intelligence-led raid between 30th and 31st of May 2023 in line with Standard Operating Procedure, where a total of 78 suspects, comprising 49 male and 29 female suspects were arrested with some of them serving different prison terms presently.
“So also, exhibits recovered in his possession at his Diamond Hotel residence around Alakia-Isebo Egbeda under Egbeda Local Government Area at the time include Two SMG riffles with two magazines, tne AK-47 Rifle, one pump action riffle, nine locally made pistols, two English pistols with magazine, 70 rounds of AK-Ammunition, 338 pieces of live cartridges and 72 expended, 13 pieces of 9-mm ammunition and nine Jack knives.
“Other items recovered include, three axes, 400 pieces of long cutlasses, one hammer, one walkie-talkie device, one Army camouflage jacket, one bulletproof jacket with the inscription: ‘Kiriji heritage defence’, three international passports, a huge cache of criminal charms, one damaged handcuff, three long swords, three portrait pictures and one traditional crown and staff.”
Auxiliary was sacked as PMS Chairman, on May 29, 2023, shortly after the swearing-in of Governor Seyi Makinde for a second term in office. He had enjoyed the governor’s support throughout the first term in office of Makinde.
The PMS was introduced in 2019 by Governor Makinde to replace the suspended National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in the state. He was promptly appointed the Chairman of the Disciplinary Committee of the PMS, and he brought his experience as an ex-factional chairman of NURTW in the state to bear on his new assignment.
The public criticism that trailed Lamidi’s appointment was brushed aside by Governor Makinde’s administration until he probably fell out of favour with the governor. The critics based their objections on the fact that he had served jail term in the past and that he should not be appointed to hold public office.
Investigation showed that on Monday, July 18, 2016, Axillary was sentenced to six years imprisonment for conspiracy to murder by Justice Eni Esan of the Oyo State High Court m, sitting in Ibadan. Prior to the judgment, the Lagos Police Command paraded him for illegal possession of guns In 2014.
Then, he was arrested by the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Lagos State Police Command, led by Aba Kyari at the Olodo area of Ibadan on May 10, 2014. The arrest followed an incriminating statement made against him by an illegal arms dealer, Abdulazeez Amao, who was arrested with arms hidden in bags of flour.
As gathered, the governor, during his electioneering for a second term, agreed with critical stakeholders that all factions of NURTW that were shut out of PMS during his first term would be accommodated if re-elected.
Lamidi reportedly kicked against the resolve of the governor to accommodate all factions in the management committee of PMS and allegedly caused a scene at the Ikolaba residence of the governor after the oath-taking for a second term. The dissolution of the PMS followed shortly after the scene. He was declared wanted in June 2023 by the police after his house and hotel were raided by security agents.