‘Hamzat’s killing may not be connected with woman

Muslim community in Aiyepe, Ogun State hometown of the assassinated former Chairman of Ikeja Local Government, Lagos State, Alhaji Toyin Hamzat, has urged the police in the state to look beyond the clues they are currently working on in order to unravel what led to the recent murder of the politician.

It also called on the Ogun State Government to ensure that justice was done in the case.

Hamzat was penultimate Sunday killed in Sagamu, Ogun State, by suspected assassins shortly after he allegedly dropped off a female companion.

The female companion, her estranged husband and three other persons had been arrested by the police over the killing.

But the Chairman of Aiyepe Muslim Community, Alhaji Musibau Oyefeso, told our correspondent on Sunday during the eighth-day fidau prayers for the repose of Hamzat’s soul that the police should not foreclose all other clues in their ongoing investigations.

Oyefeso advised the police to be painstaking in their investigations rather than jumping into conclusion that Hamzat was murdered over a woman.

He said the community did not share the belief that the late Baba Adinni of Aiyepe was murdered because of a woman, adding that the police should examine other factors that could have led to the killing.

Oyefeso said, “He was a very responsible man, the husband to a magistrate in Lagos State. So, we want to seize this opportunity to call on the state government to ensure justice regarding his assassination and secondly, we want to urge the police not to create media hype over his killing.

“We know the police are doing their job but they should just tarry awhile and look at so many other avenues and factors and not foreclose anyone.

In a tribute, the Aiyepe Muslims Community chairman described Hamzat as a bridge- builder between the old and the younger generation.

Earlier, while paying tributes to the slain politician, the Secretary, Bobakeye Group of Ijebuland, Prof. Mikail Gbadamosi , said Hamzat was always supportive of all the projects embarked upon by the group.

Gbadamosi further described him as a man who worked tirelessly for the good of fellow humans but did not live to reap the rewards of his labour.

Also, the Commissioner for Infrastructure in Lagos State, Alhaji Femi Hamzat, who spoke on behalf of the members of the State Executive Council between 2004 and 2007, said the last time he spoke with Hamzat was before the Umrah, (lesser hajj), but did not know that that would the last time they would talk.

Tunde Buraimoh, on behalf of the Conference 20, a group comprising the 20 former local government chairmen in Lagos State, described him as a quintessential gentleman who was very compassionate.

The representative of Ibadan Grammar School, Old Students Association, Lagos Branch, Dayo Onakoya, commended his generosity.

The African Pharmacists Forum on its part pledged to set up a foundation in the name of the late Hamzat.

The Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji N.A.E Mohammed, described him as a strong pillar of support to the association.

Punch Nigeria