- Police free two officers, detain killer cop
BY TIMOTHY AGBOR
President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the “heinous and senseless” killing of Omobolanle Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association shot by on-duty policemen on Christmas Day.
In a statement signed on Tuesday by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, 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.
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command has said that the two police officers arrested alongside killer cop, ASP Dambri Vandi, would be released on Tuesday (yesterday) as they were not involved in the crime.
The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin made this known on Tuesday while giving an update on the killing.
The police in Lagos, on Christmas Day, arrested Vandi and two other officers attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah area for allegedly killing Mrs. Raheem, a lawyer, the same day.
Hundeyin said they were immediately taken into protective custody and were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.
He added that the two police officers arrested with the ASP were detained for interrogation and testimonies.
Hundeyin said, “The two policemen arrested with the ASP who killed the lawyer will be released today (Tuesday) after giving their testimonies to the command.
“They were arrested because they saw what happened. They were not the ones who allegedly killed the woman.
“They have given their stories on what happened and the CP has ordered that they should be released while investigations continue,” he said.
On the update about a similar killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on December 7, by a police officer from the same Ajiwe Police Station, Hundeyin revealed that the officer was still in detention, yet to be charged to court.
“There are indeed consequences. The officer is still in detention at the SCID. His investigation is being wrapped up.
“Once his dismissal order comes out, he will be charged to court immediately,” he said.
Hundeyin said that there was nothing wrong with the spot or area where the killings took place, but the officers who killed would be held responsible for their actions.
He noted that when the first incident occurred on December 7, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, changed the DPO of the station after the incident.
He added, “This has become one too many, especially bearing in mind that a similar incident occurred at the same location less than three weeks ago.
“The condemnable incident is against the standard operating procedure and rules of engagement of the Force, and to say the least is embarrassing.
“Beyond this incident, the Nigeria Police Force will carry out a reappraisal of its rules of engagement, to put an end to such avoidable ugly incidents.”
He further appealed to Lagos residents to remain calm, adding that the command was already in touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice prevails.
