Reps resolve to investigate killing of female lawyer by police officer in Lagos
Federal House of Representatives has resolved to investigate the killing of a female lawyer by a police officer in Lagos.
The resolution followed a motion on the floor of the House, Wednesday, on the Urgent need to investigate the Killing of Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem by an officer of the Nigerian Police, moved by the Reps Member representing Eti-Osa Federal Constituency, Lagos, Hon. Ibrahim Obanikoro.
Confirming the development, the House in a statement issued via its verified Twitter handle (@HouseNGR), wrote: “House of Representatives, today, passed a resolution to investigate the circumstances leading to the killing of Barrister Bolanle Raheem, prosecute the officers involved with a view to getting justice, and to stop officers from taking alcohol while on duty.
The House observed a minute’s silence for the deceased.
“The motion was moved by Rep. @Jidekoro.”
Obanikoro in his motion moved that police officers should be banned from consuming alcohol and other substances is capable limiting their sense of reasoning and capability to carry out their duties judiciously.
“There should be zero tolerance policy to misconduct or misbehaviour in the Nigerian Police Act,” Obanikoro said.
While ruling on the motion, the Speaker of the House, Femi Gbajabiamila described the killing as unfortunate.
The House resolved to investigate the circumstances leading to the killing of Barrister Bolanle Raheem, even as it also moved to prosecute the police personnel involved with a view to getting justice, and to stop officers from taking alcohol while on duty.
The House further observed a minute’s silence for the deceased.
It would be recalled that, last Monday, President Muhammadu Buhari condemned the ‘heinous and senseless’ killing of Omobolanle Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) shot by on-duty policemen on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25.
The President said he was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the brutal killing and directed the police authorities to take “the strongest possible action” against the culprits already held in detention.
This is also the Lagos Police Command has identified the policeman responsible for killing the female lawyer, as it further disclosed that the law enforcement officer is still being detained for further questioning.
Buhari described the incident as ‘a stark reminder of the recurring menace of the mishandling of weapons and a wakeup call to law enforcement agencies, including the Police to ensure the full implementation of reforms instituted by the administration on the subject of weapons handling as well as the protection of the rights of citizens.’
“In this hour of grief, the nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the NBA. I assure that justice will be done in this case,” the President said.
Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), for the Lagos Command, Mr Benjamin Hundeyin (SP) has revealed the identity of 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.”
