The policeman who killed female lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem at Ajah axis of Lagos State on Christmas Day has put heavy burden on the Nigeria Police, and he is to face prosecution and possible dismissal.
Independent News Express reports that there was tragedy on Sunday at Ajah area of Lagos after a senior Police officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State, shot dead a female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem and fled.
While trying to flee, the police officer was caught and detained by his colleagues, where he is currently undergoing interrogation over the alleged murder while the corpse of the deceased has been recovered and deposited at the mortuary for autopsy report.
Souirces within the High Command of the Nigeria Police say the Police officer in question may be likely be dismissed by the Police Service Commission over the alleged murder and prosecuted if the Police find him culpable and recommend his dismissal from the Force but that will be after the conclusion of investigations.
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, CFR, in the meantime, has condemned the shooting and killing of Mrs. Raheem.
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 commiserated with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased as he prayed for the repose of her soul. He further assured the general public of justice in the case while he warned 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 Lagos State Governor Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has equally condemned in strongest term, the alleged shooting and killing of Mrs. Raheem.
The Governor expressed shock and sadness over the mindless shooting of “a harmless citizen” by a Police officer, whose primary job function was to protect the same citizen.
Sanwo-Olu sympathized with the family, friends and associates of the late Bolanle Raheem, pledging the State Government’s full support and cooperation with the police authorities in their investigation to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the shooting, that led to the untimely death of the innocent citizen, with a view to ensuring that justice is served.
He said: “I have studied preliminary reports on the matter and have instructed the appropriate Government officers to immediately get on it. We must ensure a speedy justice for the late Bolanle. Our government cannot sit back and watch our citizens killed by the same law enforcers that should ordinarily protect them”.
“I’m aware that the Lagos State Police Command has arrested, disarmed and detained the Police officers involved in the shooting incident. I can assure you that the accused persons will have their day in Court, and nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State until justice is served adequately. We will ensure that it is done speedily because justice delayed is justice denied.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu however, appealed to residents to remain calm and not take the law into their hands on the matter, assuring Lagosians that the Government will live up to her responsibilities and get justice for the late Bolanle Raheem.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the late Bolanle Raheem’s soul, asking God to grant her immediate family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
According to Police sources, the late lawyer, Raheem, her sister, and four children were coming from an eatery in their car around 11am when the officer tried to stop them. while the woman was trying to make a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge, the Police officer opened fire and shot at her vehicle. The bullet was said to have hit the female lawyer. She was rushed to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
