Nigerians from all walks of life, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, have called on the authorities to ensure swift justice for Mrs Bolanle Raheem, a pregnant Lagos lawyer felled by bullets from a trigger-happy policeman’s rifle.
Raheem was shot dead in the Ajah area of Lagos State on Sunday by a policeman, identified simply as ASP Ayuba, attached to the Ajiwe Police Division, The Herald gathered.
It was further learnt that the policeman fled the scene immediately but was caught and detained by the police.
Nigerians react
Many Nigerians took to Twitter on Monday to condemn the killing and demand justice.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar said, “The shooting of Bolanle Raheem by a police officer is heartbreaking and stands condemned.
“This latest shooting calls to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitise the Force and bring it in line with best 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.”
A popular content creator and activist, Debo Adedayo aka Mr Macaroni said, “A Nigerian Police Officer from Ajiwe division shot and killed Bolanle Raheem on Xmas day.
“It is from this same division an Officer killed Gafaru Buraimoh about 2 weeks ago.
“This barbarism by the Nigerian Police must come to an end.
“These Murderers must pay for their crimes!!!”
Sharing a photo of the policeman, human rights lawyer, Inibehe Effiong said, “This is ASP Ayuba, the rogue policeman at Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah that murdered a pregnant lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas day while the victim was returning from Church with her husband.
“We were at the station this morning and paid a condolence visit to the family.”
Police appeal for calm
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command urged citizens to remain calm and gave the assurance that justice would be done in the matter.
In a statement, Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) in the state, SP Benjamin Hundeyin condoled the victim’s family.
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“The Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, fdc has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Barrister Bolanle Raheem who was shot dead by a police officer in Ajah on Sunday, December 25, 2022.
“On the instruction of the Commissioner of Police, the errant officer has since been taken into custody alongside his team members. The CP has equally directed that the case be transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Yaba for in-depth investigation.
“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,” Hundeyin said.
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