Killing of Lagos Lawyer on Christmas Day by Policeman sparks outrage
*IGP orders ‘speedy’ prosecution of officer
*‘Police assured us of swift prosecution’ — NBA
Nigerians on social media are horrified and outraged as a trigger-happy Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) shot dead a Lagos-based female lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem in the Ajah area of the state on Christmas Day.
The unnamed policeman attached to the Ajah Police Station and his team were said to have tried to stop Raheem and her family members as they drove back home from a Christmas Day church service.
Raheem, it was gathered, was shot when the car she was on tried to make a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge.
The victim was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead.
Avoidable Incident – Police
The spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident but described it as “unfortunate and avoidable”, assuring the public that justice will prevail.
“The ASP that shot and two others with him have since been taken into custody,” Hundeyin tweeted on Monday.
He also said the policemen will be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation.
“The Lagos State Police Command condoles with the family, friends and colleagues of Barrister Bolanle Raheem. The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, has been in touch with the family and the Nigerian Bar Association since yesterday and has given firm assurances that justice will definitely prevail.”
IGP Condemns Killing, Orders Speedy Investigation
Meanwhile, Usman Baba, the Inspector-General Of Police, has condemned the killing and ordered a speedy investigation and prosecution of the officer involved in the incident.
The shooting occurred when the deceased and her family were returning from Christmas service on Sunday.
The incident has sparked widespread criticism of the Nigeria Police Force on social media.
Reacting in a statement signed by Muyiwa Adejobi, force spokesperson, the IGP described the incident as “unfortunate and sad”.
The inspector-general of police commiserated with the family, friends and colleagues of the deceased.Baba said the police force will not condone the “inappropriate” incident.
NBA Demands Justice
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the incident.
According to a statement on Monday, Ikechukwu Uwanna, Chairman Of The Lagos branch of the NBA, said the police officer is in custody.
“The police authorities have confirmed that the police officer who shot and killed our colleague has been arrested and is currently being detained,” he said.
“I have been in touch with Lagos state police command public relations officer (Benjamin Hundeyin) and the commissioner of police, Lagos state (Mr. Abiodun Alabi), who have been very sympathetic and have assured us that the investigation and prosecution of the killer of Mrs. Raheem will be swift.
“The NBA President, Mr. Y.C. Maikyau, SAN, and his Exco have also been monitoring the situation to ensure that the matter is given all the serious attention it deserves.
“Members of our NBA Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, led by Mrs. Tam-George, have met with the DPO of Ajiwe Police Station, and will meet with the Commissioner of Police later today to emphasize our mandate of ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor denied.
“The committee members have also proceeded to visit the family of our slain member as at the time of releasing this statement.
“I urge us all to take a moment today to pray for the repose of the soul of our slain colleague, and that God will console her husband and family members.
“We will provide updates as the matter develops.”
Meanwhile, Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the investigation and prosecution of the officer involved in the incident.
