Retired Commissioner of Police Aderemi Adeoye has called attention to a critical issue surrounding the recent deaths of northern travellers in Uromi, Edo State. In an enlightening interview with Arise News, Adeoye passionately emphasized that upholding the rule of law is essential, especially in cases involving violence and security threats. He strongly condemned the extrajudicial killings of these individuals, regardless of the suspicion surrounding their possession of weapons. Adeoye’s stance is clear: no one, not even law enforcement, has the right to mete out death without due process. He argued that in a functioning democracy, justice must be administered through the court system, not by vigilantes or civilians acting outside the law.
The incident in Uromi, which has drawn widespread public attention, involved a group of northern travellers who were reportedly carrying several dane guns. While the large number of weapons, particularly in a commercial vehicle, understandably raised suspicion, Adeoye firmly stated that such a scenario does not justify the violent response they received. He explained that the possession of dane guns, which are commonly used in rural areas for hunting, is not illegal in many jurisdictions. However, he acknowledged that transporting these firearms over long distances could cause concern among those who are not familiar with their purpose. Even with this in mind, Adeoye pointed out that the correct legal approach would have been to detain the individuals, investigate the situation, and let the justice system determine their fate.
“Apart from the legalities, one must consider the broader context of law enforcement,” Adeoye remarked. “Even if these individuals were carrying AK-47 rifles, which are far more lethal than the typical hunting rifle, that would still not give anyone the right to execute them on the spot. Law enforcement officers are obligated to follow due process, regardless of the type of weapon involved.” His comments underscore the importance of adhering to established legal procedures, even in tense and potentially dangerous situations. According to Adeoye, the fundamental principles of justice and the rule of law must always prevail.
In his interview, Adeoye elaborated on the nature of the weapons involved, particularly the dane guns. These traditional firearms, often used by farmers and hunters, typically do not require a license in many regions. Adeoye explained that such guns are mainly intended for hunting purposes and are rarely used for criminal activity. However, their presence in a commercial vehicle raised suspicions, especially given the long journey the travellers were undertaking. Still, Adeoye stressed that suspicion alone is not enough to justify violence. He emphasized that even if the individuals had been carrying more dangerous weapons, such as AK-47s, the proper course of action would have been to apprehend them and investigate the matter through legal channels.
“In many jurisdictions, dane guns do not require a license because they’re meant for hunting, not for use in criminal activities,” Adeoye clarified. “However, when they are transported over long distances in a vehicle, it may raise suspicion. But, at the end of the day, no one has the right to take the law into their own hands. The law enforcement agencies, including the police, have specific procedures they must follow when dealing with suspected criminals. If the police had encountered these travellers and they had not been engaged in any criminal activity, the proper course would have been to arrest them, seize the weapons, and let the courts handle the case.”
He further explained that the law is clear on the matter of extrajudicial killings. “Even in situations involving dangerous weapons like AK-47 rifles, the police do not have the authority to execute anyone without due process,” Adeoye stated. “The legal system requires that individuals be presented before a court where they can face charges and defend themselves. The role of law enforcement is to ensure that this process is followed, not to act as judge, jury, and executioner.” His comments are a firm reminder that the right to life is protected under the law, and no one should be denied that right without a fair trial.
