In what appears as a quick step to stem growing public outrage, over indiscriminate shooting of a Nollywood actor, Azeez Ijaduade, by a trigger happy officer, the Ogun state Police command, rose in defense of its officer, claiming that the incident was accidental.
Mr Ijaduade, a movie producer was reportedly shot at a movie location in Iperu Remo on Saturday night.
The unfolding tragedy has left him in critical condition, and he is currently undergoing treatment at the Babcock University Teaching Hospital.
Meanwhile, in its reaction, the Ogun Police command, on Sunday said, contrary to public opinion on the incident, the actor was “mistakenly” hit by a shot, discharged by a police officer, while on movie location at Iperu Remo, Ogun state.
Speaking with Punch newspaper, the state Police Public Relations Officer, Omolola Odutola, revealed that one of its officers attached to the executives of Bramajaj Company Limited, Ogere Remo, “accidentally discharged a shot from his rifle” during the end-of-year party of the company at a hotel in Iperu.
The incident was said to have occurred when Iaduade, his crew members, and other actors were having a movie shoot at the same hotel when the shot hit the Nollywood actor’s neck.
Police further disclosed that the actor had been rushed to the hospital, where he was said to be currently responding to treatment.
“The victim is currently in a stable condition,” Odutola said.
Recall that the news of Ijaduade being shot by a trigger-happy policeman was disclosed by his colleague, Abiodun Adebanjo, via his Instagram handle, @iamabiodunadebanjo, on Sunday.
The actor wrote, “Please we need help in Iperu. My director, Azeez Ijaduade, @kingzeez1, was shot by Nigerian police personnel.
“He is presently at Babcock University Teaching Hospital.
“Anybody with the contacts of the Police IG or Commissioner should reach out.”
