Friends and associates of the late Fatai Olukayode Lawal, who was the Business Controller at the Nigerian Breweries, Ibadan, yesterday, called on the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Usman Alkali Baba, to intervene in the ongoing police investigation to unravel the mystery surrounding his death.

Lawal was killed on March 21, 2023, in Ibadan, after two motorbike riders double-crossed them while driving with a few friends towards the airport.

He was said to have occupied a position that gave him responsibility for checks and accountability in the company he joined about 20 years ago.

The Guardian learnt that one of the two assailants brandished an AK-47 assault weapon and shot Lawal on the head and chest, and fled.

According to an eyewitness, the incident happened so quickly that no one could respond in time. It took some time before he was transported to the nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.

One of the friends, one Mr. Oladapo Joseph, who spoke to newsmen said the late Lawal might have been killed because of his commitment to putting an end to incessant corruption going on at the Ibadan Breweries.

He stressed that his associates are not happy with the casual way the establishment has handled the incident, and that an investigation should be conducted among people who worked or associated with the breweries in Ibadan.

“This man was my friend. He was brutally assassinated on March 21. He was investigating some shady activities in Nigeria Breweries Limited (NBL) as that was really his job. Neither the police nor the NBL has shown any appreciable interest in unravelling the murderers.

“We are calling on the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to use his good office to ensure that those who committed the dastardly act are brought to justice. We have absolute confidence in the police hierarchy to solve this murder,” he said.

But a source close to Nigerian Breweries said the company is working with the family and doing all it could to ensure that justice is served.

When contacted, Oyo State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Adewale Osifeso, said investigation was ongoing but refused to disclose if anyone had been arrested in connection with the murder case.

He said: “Investigation is ongoing. Updates would be provided accordingly.” (The Guardian)

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