There has been an outpouring of massive outrage and anger as reports emerged on early Monday that an operative of the Lagos state command of the Nigerian Police Force(NPF), allegedly murdered a lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem.
Reports suggest that Raheem, who is a member of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) was murdered on Christmas day, December 25, 2022 while returning from church.
It was gathered that she was shot at close range by the yet to be identified Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP).
The news was put out to the public by the deceased junior colleague on social media.
According to the colleague, Raheem was allegedly murdered by policemen suspected to be attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State, who were trying to extort from the deceased and her husband.
“My boss, Bar. Omobolanle Raheem was shot dead by a police officer on her way back from Christmas service at Ajah under bridge.
“Her family just called me now, that they need a lawyer to stand in for them before the police changes the narrative.
“They have taken the matter to Ajiwe Police Station. The police officer is from Ajiwe station.
“Her husband was the one driving. Bar. Omobolanle was seated at the front with her husband.
“The officer asked them to park and they needed the vehicle in front to move so they can park well, and immediately the police officer shot at a close range right into her chest.
“On seeing what happened, the other police officers on duty there absconded.
“After a while, some policemen came and moved her body to the mortuary in Yaba, without obtaining any consent from her family members.
“Currently her family has located where they moved her body to.
“I am currently not in Lagos. I thought of bringing this to you for your assistance and guidance,” she wrote.
Confirming the incident, spokesman for the command, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable.
He confirmed that the alleged shooter and two other members of his team were in detention, and would be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID), Yaba, for further action.
“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,” he said.
Also, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba, has condemned the murdered of Raheem.
The IGP also ordered an investigation into the Christmas Day homicide of a lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, who was allegedly shot dead by a member of the force.
The Force spokesperson, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, made this known in a statement issued on Monday..
The statement reads, “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 family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased 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 NPF 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.”
