Usman Alkali Baba, the inspector-general of Police, IGP, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, responsible for the shooting and killing of Bolanle Raheem, a Lagos lawyer who was killed on Christmas Day, while waiting for the detailed report on the incident.
The IGP noted that the recommendation for the officer’s suspension is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
In a statement on Wednesday, December 28, 2022, signed by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, the force PRO, IGP noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference.
The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter. He, therefore, appeals to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.
Bolanle Raheem: Buhari Declares That ‘Justice Must Be Done’ In Killing Of Lagos Lawyer
President Muhammadu Buhari on Monday, December 26, 2022, condemned the “heinous and senseless” killing of Bolanle Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, shot by on-duty policemen on Christmas Day.
Buhari said he was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the brutal killing of Raheem.
The president also directed the police authorities to take “the strongest possible action” against the culprits already detained.
This was disclosed in a statement by Garba Shehu, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, on Tuesday, December 27, 2022.
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 you that justice will be done in this case,” the President said.
Christmas Tragedy: Policeman Arrested After Shooting, Killing Lagos Lawyer Bolanle Raheem
Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer based in Lagos, was shot dead on Sunday, December 25, 2022.
The Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, member was killed by a police assistant superintendent.
The incident occurred near the Ajah bridge on Christmas Day as the deceased returned from church.
Bolanle was reportedly shot while she sat in the car; the husband was beside her.
Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin reacted to the fatal shooting on Monday.
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. https://t.co/6Q0nYYEsMd
— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) December 26, 2022
The spokesman described the officer’s action as “unfortunate and avoidable”.
“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”, he tweeted.
In early December, a policeman with the Ajah Division opened fire and killed Gafaru Buraimoh during a raid of black market fuel sellers.
Both killer cops are believed to be attached to Ajiwe Station, a police post accused of rights abuses and overzealous personnel.
