CITIZENS COMPASS– MEMBERS of the Nigeria Bar Association, Lagos State Branch have begun fact finding into the killing of a female lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, who was allegedly shot dead by an Assistant Supretendent of Police, attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.
NBA members have paid a fact finding visit to Ajiwe police station.
The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has ordered an investigation into the killing of a lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, who was allegedly shot dead by a trigger-happy policeman attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State
This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adeyemi on Boxing Day.
The incident occurred on Christmas Day when the deceased was said to be returning from shopping.
The IGP has also ordered the prosecution of all police officers involved.
The statement reads,“ The IGP, who described the incident as unfortunate and sad, has 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.
“In the same vein, the IGP commiserates with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased as he prays for the repose of her soul.
“He further assures the general public of justice in the case, while he warns officers and men of the NPF 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.”
How the incident occurred
Narrating the incident, the Chairman, Nigeria Bar Association, Lagos Branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna, said,
“At about 5pm yesterday, 25th December, 2022, when everyone was celebrating the Christmas holiday, I received the sad news of the killing of one of our members, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force under the Jubilee bridge at Ajah, Lagos State.
“I immediately reached out to the Branch Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee (Mrs. Abiye Tam-George) who with other members of her committee swung into action to confirm the veracity of the news.
Sadly, the news has since been confirmed to be true and the remains of our slain colleague deposited at the Mortuary.
“The police authorities have confirmed that the police officer who shot and killed our colleague has been arrested and is currently being detained.
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, Spokesperson, Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin in one of his tweets said,
“Unfortunate and avoidable incident that was. The ASP that shot and two others with him have since been taken into custody. They are to be moved to the SCID 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.
“We are not handling this with levity. The Nigerian Bar Association just concluded a fact finding visit to the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) Ajah.”
NBA has since protested the killing.
