Catholic Church Attack: Gen. Irabor listed wrong suspects; Akeredolu sets record straight

Gov. Rotimi Akeredolu has clarified a mix-up in the list of ISWAP terrorists arrested for attacking a Catholic Church at Owo, Ondo on June 5.

Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor, had reportedly listed one Idris Ojo who was arrested alongside his brother Jimoh Ibrahim among the suspects.

Clarifying the issue in a statement Richard Olatunde, his spokesman, the governor said the arrest of the Ojo, a Kuje prison escapee coincided with that of the church attackers.

“Governor Akeredolu acknowledged the confusion the statement has created in the public space, considering that the ugly event of June 5 attack in Owo preceded the unfortunate incident on Kuje prison.

“The Governor said there was a mix up in the announcement by the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor. Governor Akeredolu explained that Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure.

“The announcement of the arrest of Idris Ojo as one of the perpetrators of the June 5 attack on St Francis Catholic Church, Owo was a mix up from the Chief of Defence Staff, General Lucky Irabor.

“Idris Ojo, who is number 14 on the wanted list of the Kuje Prison Escapees was arrested in his brother’s house in Akure. His brother, Jimoh Rasheed Ibrahim, received and accommodated him after his escape from Kuje prison.

“He was thereafter moved and kept in the custody of the security operatives at the same time the attackers of Owo Catholic Church were arrested and brought into custody. Hence, the mix up,” the statement read.