Bolanle Raheem: PSC suspends killer policeman

Barely hours after the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr  Usman Alkali Baba, recommended immediate suspension of the officer allegedly responsible for the shooting to death of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer in Lagos last Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has effected action.

The PSC, Thursday, suspended the policeman, identified as Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Drambi Vandi, for the alleged killing of the female lawyer.

ASP Vandi was attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos Police Command, where the incident occurred, last Sunday afternoon.

A statement issued by the Head Press and Public Relations, PSC, Ikechukwu Ani, Thursday, said the commission has approved the suspension of ASP Drambi Vandi, AP/no 134901, with immediate effect.

“The Commission also directed that the final investigation into the matter is concluded to enable the Commission take further necessary action,” the read the statement.

The statement continued: “The Commission in a letter to the Inspector General of Police signed by the acting Chairman Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi JSC rtd CFR stated that the Commission has carefully examined the facts of the case, observations and recommendation with respect to allegations against the officer and granted approval for the suspension of the officer from duty with immediate effect.

“The letter titled “Re-Request of Suspension from Duty: AP/ NO 134901 ASP DRAMBI Vandi ” with reference No. AP 134901/fs/FHQ/ABJ/9 was dated 28th December 2022.

“The commission had earlier condemned the unprovoked killing of the lawyer and had demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The Commission also called from proper training of Police personnel on weapon management.”

Earlier, Thursday, the IG of Police, Mr. Alkali had recommended that the immediate suspension should be effected on the erring policeman while detailed report of the incident is being awaited.

IGP Alkali, Thursday, in a statement released by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.

“The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.

“The IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter. He therefore appeals to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences,” the statement read.

The IGP had earlier, Monday, condemned the shooting and killing of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer who was allegedly shot and killed by a policeman attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos.

The IGP, who described the incident as unfortunate and sad, even as he ‘ordered speedy investigation and prosecution of the officers responsible for the ugly and unprofessional act, which doesn’t portray the Nigeria Police Standard Operating Procedure and core values.’

The IGP further commiserated with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased as he prays for the repose of her soul.

A statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Adejobi, Monday, said the IG further ‘assured the general public of justice in the case while he warns officers and men of the Force to be professional and people-oriented in the discharge of their duties and operate within the ambit of the law, as the Force’s leadership will not condone any inappropriate or unprofessional acts.’

Barrister Raheem was shot and killed by the policeman on Christmas Day, Sunday afternoon, in Lagos while in a car driving along her husband.

The killer policeman, now identified as an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Vandi, was initially revealed to be Inspector Imeh Johnson.

Spokesperson of the Lagos Command, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin (SP) had, Tuesday, identified the policeman involved in the alleged killing of the female lawyer as Inspector Imeh Johnson.

Hundeyin tweeting via his verified Twitter handle (@BenHundeyin), Tuesday afternoon, said: “The officer is Inspector Imeh Johnson and he is still under detention at the State Criminal Investigation Department. Case is being concluded. Updates will be made available.”