…Lawyer returning from Domino Pizza with four children in car
…Police beef up security in Ajah to forestall breakdown of law
Juliana Francis
Nigerians have taken to different social media handles to express displeasure and outrage over the shooting to death of a pregnant lawyer, identified as Barrister Bolanle Raheem by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Mr Vandi, attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.
According to a Police Situation sighted by Securitynewsalert.com, the shooting incident happened in Elemoro area of Lagos State on 25th of December 2022.
It was further gathered that at about 1:10 PM, one Enema Titilayo of Ipinyewa Phase 2 Adamo Ikorodu, reported at the station that at about 11:PM on 25th of December, she and her sister, Barrister Bolanle Raheem, 41, and four children were coming from Domino Pizza Ajah in an unregistered T Venza SUV while trying to make a U-turn at Ajah under the bridge, policemen tried to stop them.
The SITREP further states: “In the process, the men shot at the vehicle in a yet-to-be-determined circumstance. The bullet hit the latter. The victim was rescued and rushed to Granville Medical centre, Ajah for treatment, where she later died. Based on the report, teams of detectives visited the scene of the incident and also visited the hospital. The corpse was inspected and photographs were taken. The corpse was evacuated and deposited at IDH Morgue, Yaba for autopsy. The policemen have been taken into custody, while their rifles were recovered for ballistic examination. Meanwhile, the deceased family is being appeased by the command and security is beefed up in the area to forestall any threat to law and order as a result of the incident. The case has been taken over by Homicide Detectives at the State Intelligence and Investigations Department (SCIID), Yaba, for a thorough investigation. The command will leave no stone unturned to ensure the culprits are brought to book.”
Following the shooting to death of the lawyer, Nigerian Bar Association has condemned the shooting to death of their colleagues, demanding justice.
The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, in a swift reaction, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Barrister Bolanle Raheem.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Benjamin Hundeyin, said that on the instruction of the CP, the errant officer has since been taken into custody alongside his team members.
Hundeyin said: “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 procedures (SOP) 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 in a bid to put an end to such avoidable ugly incidents.
“The Lagos State Police Command hereby appeals to the good people and residents of Lagos State to remain calm as the Command is already in constant touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders towards ensuring that justice totally prevails.”
Similarly, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned the shooting and killing of the lawyer.
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 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 case while he warns officers and men of the Force to be professional and people-oriented in discharging their duties and operate within the ambit of the law, as the Force’s leadership will not condone any inappropriate or unprofessional acts.
