The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the killing of their member Bolanle Raheem in Lagos by an ‘irresponsible’ Police Officer.
Ikechukwu Uwanna, Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch, in a statement, described the death of Barrister Bolanle as an unfortunate incident.
The Lagos-based Lawyer was said to have been shot by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State. The news of her death quickly spread on Tuesday.
“At about 5 pm 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 committee members, swung into action to confirm the veracity of the news. Sadly, the news has been confirmed to be true, and the remains of our slain colleague deposited at the Mortuary,” Uwanna said in a statement.
The Lagos state police command has also confirmed the police officer who shot and killed the Lawyer. The spokesman of the Command, Benjamin Hundeyin, says the officer is currently in detention.
Inspector-General of Police orders speedy investigation
In the meantime, The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned the shooting and killing of Omobolanle Raheem. The IGP, who described the incident as unfortunate, has ordered a speedy investigation and prosecution of officers responsible for the ugly and unprofessional act.
The Force Headquarters, in a statement by the PRO, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, states that the officer’s actions do not portray the Nigeria Police Standard Operating Procedure and core values.
“In the same vein, the IGP commiserates with the deceased’s family, friends, and colleagues as he prays for the repose of her soul. He further assures the general public of justice in the matter, warning officers and men of the Force to be professional and people-oriented in discharging their duties and operating within the law’s ambit, as the Force’s leadership will not condone any inappropriate or unprofessional acts.”
The NBA President, Y. C. Maikyau SAN, and his Exco are monitoring the situation to ensure that the matter is given all the serious attention it deserves.
