Buraimoh: Police release photo of officer detained for killing civilian in Lagos

Lagos Police Command has released photograph of the officer who allegedly shot and killed a civilian identified as Mr Gafaru Buraimoh, in the Ajah area of the state, on December 6, 2022.

The Command identified the police officer as Inspector Imeh Johnson, earlier said to have been responsible for the shooting to death of a female Lagos-based lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day, December 25, 2022.

Both incidents involved police officers attached to the same Ajah Divisional Area of the Lagos Command

According to reports, the late Gafaru was out to buy petrol when bullet fired by the police officer killed him.

Spokesperson of the Lagos Police Command, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin (SP) shared Inspector Imeh’s photo graph via his verified Twitter handle (@BenHundeyin), Monday.

It would be recalled that the Lagos Command, had, Tuesday, wrongly named the policeman involved in the alleged killing of the female lawyer as Inspector Imeh Johnson.

Late Mrs Raheem and Mr Buraimoh were reportedly shot and killed by officers attached to the Ajah Divisional Area of the Lagos Police Command in the same month of December 2022.

However, Mrs Raheem’s alleged killer has since been identified to be an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr Drambi Vandi.

According to the Lagos Command’s spokesperson, Hundeyin, ‘Orderly Room proceedings (with recommendation) have been forwarded to the Assistant Inspector-General of Police (AIG) Zone 2, Lagos for review and final decision on the case involving Imeh Johnson.’

As for the detained ASP Vandi, the Police Service Commission (PSC) has already effected his immediate suspension as earlier recommended by the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Mr  Usman Alkali Baba.

The PSC, last Thursday, suspended the policeman, ASP Vandi, for the alleged killing of the female lawyer, Mrs Raheem, last Christmas Day in Ajah, Lagos.

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

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.