The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Monday, condemned the extra-judicial killing of Barrister Bolanle Raheem, who was shot dead by an officer of the Nigeria Police Force in Ajah, Lagos.
Reports suggest that Bolanle, 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 a church service.
The deceased, said to be pregnant sat in the front seat alongside her husband who drove the car they were in. A colleague of Bolanle said the policemen were trying to extort the deceased and her husband while the shooting and murder of Bolanle occurred in the presence her family members.
Atiku in his reaction, said this latest shooting calls for the urgent need to reform Police in the country so as to sanitise the Force and bring it in line with the best global policing practices.
“I call on the police authorities and the Justice system to expedite action on the matter, as justice delayed is justice denied.
“This will serve as a deterrent to the incidents of irresponsible shooting of innocent citizens by law enforcement agents.
“I express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Nigeria Bar Association, in particular its Lagos chapter. May her soul rest in peace”.
The lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, in a tweet, on Monday, said “With utter shock and sadness, I received the news of the unfortunate and avoidable death of Barrister Bolanle Raheem at the hands of a police officer at Ajiwe.
“My condolence to her family, friends and associates. I can assure you that justice will be served”.
Meanwhile the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Monday, said the institution will ensure that Justice is served.
Reacting, to the incident, the National Publicity Secretary, NBA, Akorede Lawal, described the incident as unfortunate, adding that the president of the association, Yakubu Maikyau, was monitoring the situation.
He tweeted, “We are aware of this unfortunate incident. This is yet another crime against a lawyer. Regrettably, our member is gone. The NBA President @YCMaikyauSAN is right on this and we shall ensure that justice is duly served.”
In a separate message, the Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned the shooting and killing of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem.
In a statement on Monday, 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.
