Police arrest policeman, Kola Okunola’s attacker, 2 others in Abuja

Molly Kilete

The police headquarters in Abuja has said that it has arrested one Hon Israel Sunny Gioli, suspected to be the ring leader and mastermind of the attack on Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kola Okunola in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State, on February, 24.

Force Public Relations Officer, Frank Mba, who made this known in a statement said Adi, who is a candidate and member of one of the major political parties in the House of Representatives election in Brass constituency, Bayelsa State, was arrested in his hideout in Abuja on Friday morning.

Mba, also said the police arrested other suspects Tamarapreye Victor, 34, and Azi Newton, 34, in connection with the attack while effort is ongoing to arrest other members of the gang.

The FPRO in the statement said “The police have arrested Hon. Sunny Adi, the mastermind and ringleader of the irresponsible, unprovoked and unwarranted attack on a Deputy Commissioner of Police, Kola Okunola in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State, on Sunday, February 24, 2019. Two other persons arrested in connection with the incident are  Tamarapreye Victor, ‘m’ 34years, and Azi Newton ‘m’ 34years.

“Hon. Sunny Adi, a candidate of one of the major political parties in the House of Representatives elections in Brass constituency, Bayelsa State, was arrested in his hideout somewhere in Abuja this morning, March 1, 2019, in a well-coordinated covert operation.

“His arrest is in line with the directive of the Inspector General of Police, Ag. IGP M.A Adamu, for the immediate arrest, comprehensive investigation and diligent prosecution of all persons involved in the Sunday, February 24, 2019, attack on the DCP in Twon, Brass, Bayelsa State.

“It would be recalled that while leading the team providing protection for INEC officials, voters, and materials, DCP Kola Okunola was brutally attacked and molested by thugs led by Hon. Sunny Adi.

“Meanwhile, effort is ongoing by the police to apprehend other members of the gang involved in the unwholesome attack on the officer.

“As we go into the governorship/House of Assembly elections slated for Saturday, March 9, 2019, the IGP reiterates his earlier warning that the Nigeria Police Force under his watch would not condone any act of assault against any member of the public, including the personnel of the force legitimately assigned to protect the sanctity of the ballot.”