Outrage As Policeman Kills Lagos Lawyer On Christmas Day

Nigerians on social media are horrified and outraged as a trigger-happy Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) shot dead a Lagos-based female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem in the Ajah area of the state on Christmas Day.

The unnamed policeman attached to the Ajah Police Station and his team were said to have tried to stop Raheem and her family members as they drove back home from a Christmas Day church service.

Raheem, it was gathered, was shot when the car she was on tried to make a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge.

The victim was rushed to a hospital but was confirmed dead.

The spokesman for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed the incident but described it as “unfortunate and avoidable”, assuring the public that justice will prevail.

“The ASP that shot and two others with him have since been taken into custody,” Hundeyin tweeted on Monday.

He also said the policemen will be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department in Panti for further investigation.

The Inspector-General of Police (IGP), Usman Baba, on Monday, condemned the shooting and killing of Raheem.

The IGP, who described the incident as unfortunate and sad, ordered speedy investigation and prosecution of the officers responsible for the ugly and unprofessional act, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, said in a statement.

The IGP said the act doesn’t portray the Nigeria Police Standard Operating Procedure and core values.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded that justice be served on the matter.

NBA National Publicity Secretary, Akorede Lawal wrote, “We are aware of this unfortunate incident. This is yet another crime against a lawyer. Regrettably, our member is gone…We shall ensure that justice is duly served.”

-Channelstv