Abuja/Lagos, Dec. 27, 2022

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned the “heinous and senseless” killing of Omobolanle Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) shot by on-duty policemen on Christmas Day.

The president, in a statement by his media aide, Malam Garba Shehu, in Abuja on Tuesday, said he was deeply shocked and saddened to learn of the brutal killing.

He, therefore, directed the police authorities to take “the strongest possible action” against the culprits already held in detention.”

According to him, the incident is a stark reminder of the recurring menace of the mishandling of weapons and a wake-up call to law enforcement agencies.

This, he said, included the Nigeria Police Force (NPF), who should 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 Police command in Lagos State says two police officers arrested with ASP Dambri Vandi, over the alleged killing of Mrs. Raheem would be released today (Tuesday) as they were not involved in the crime.

The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin , confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday, while giving an update on the killing.
NAN reports that the police in Lagos, on Christmas Day, arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Dambri Vandi and two other officers attached to Ajiwe police station in Ajah area for allegedly killing one Mrs. Omobolale Raheem, a lawyer, same day.

Hundeyin said they were taken into protective custody immediately and were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.

He said that the two police officers arrested with the ASP were detained for interrogation and testimonies.

“The two policemen arrested with 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 similar killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on Dec 7, by a police officer from the same Ajiwe police station, Hundeyin said that the officer was still in detention, yet to be charged to court.

The image maker said the police officer was yet to be arraigned because his dismissal order has not been released.

“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 Dec. 7, the commissioner of police, Abiodun Alabi, changed the DPO of the station after the incident.
“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 (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, to put an end to such avoidable ugly incidents,” Hundeyin said.

The spokesman appealed to residents of the State to remain calm as the Command was already in touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice totally prevailed.