President Muhammadu Buhari Monday night 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.
According to a statement by his spokesman, Mr. Garba Shehu,, 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.
President Buhari said this incident is 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
Also, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, condemned the shooting and killing of the pregnant lawyer who was allegedly shot and killed by a Policeman attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.
A statement by Force headquarters spokesman, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Alkali described the incident as unfortunate and sad, and 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.
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.”, the statement added.
The Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, vowed to ensure that justice prevails in the killing.
On Twitter handle on Monday, Sanwo-Olu said, “With utter shock and sadness, I received the news of the unfortunate and avoidable death of Barrister Bolanle Raheem at the hands of a police officer at Ajiwe.
“My condolence to her family, friends and associates. I can assure you that justice will be served. Nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State until justice is served speedily and adequately.”
Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar, condemned the shooting and called for urgent police reforms.
Atiku said, “The shooting of Bolanle Raheem by a police officer is heartbreaking and stands condemned. This latest shooting calls to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitise the Force and bring it in line with best policing practices.”
In a message to Lagos lawyers, the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) chairman in the state, Ikechukwu Uwanna, wrote:
“Dear Colleagues,
“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.”
