The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, has ordered speedy investigation and prosecution of the officers responsible for the killing of a female lawyer, identified as Barr Omobolanle Raheem, in the Ajah area of Lagos State during the Christmas Day celebration.
This was as Lagos State police spokesman, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the arrest of an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, attached to Ajah Division and two other police officers, for allegedly killing the lawyer.
He stated two other police officers who were with the ASP were also arrested for interrogation.
“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 State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, Yaba, for further investigations,’’ Hundeyin stated.
The spokesman stated also that the Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Mr Abiodun Alabi, had been in touch with the family of the female lawyer and with the Nigerian Bar Association over the ugly incident and the arrest of the policemen involved.
Meanwhile, in a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer (PRO), Muyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, “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 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.”
TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports that the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, has condemned the killing of one of its members, Mobolanle, on Christmas day.
The NBA said the “killer” of Mobolanle Raheem must be swiftly prosecuted and justice be immediately served.
Mobolanle was shot dead on Christmas Day by a policeman attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah.
The Chairman of the Lagos Branch of the NBA, Ikechukwu Uwanna, said he has been in touch with the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, who “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,” Uwanna said in a statement and added that the victim’s body had been deposited at the morgue.
“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.”
