An unamed Assistant Superintendent of Police Officer, who alledgedly shot dead a female lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas Day has been taken into police custody.
He has been arrested along with two other police officers.
The prime suspect is said to be attached to the Ajah Police Station before the incident.
CASEFILE gathered that the officer who was with a team of policemen before the incident tried to flee the scene immediately, but he was caught and detained by the police.
Report has it that the late Raheem, a real Estate consultant was in company of members of her family.
They were coming from an eatery in their car around 11:00a.m when the Police officer tried to stop them.
A source said the party was trying to make a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge when the officer shot at her vehicle.
The bullet was said to have hit the victim and she was rushed to a hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
Following the incidence, Police Public Relations Officer, SP. Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed the incident, adding that the officer was in custody.
Now, lawyers are protesting at Ajiwe police station, Ajah over the death of their colleague, calling for thorough investigation and prosecution.
Lawyers from the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, including the leaders of Eti-Osa Lawyers Forum had a brief meeting with Adolf Ogwu, the Divisional Police Officer, DPO, of Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, where the officers are stationed.
The DPO informed the aggrieved lawyers that the matter has been transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti and it’s currently before the Commissioner of Police.
The vice chairperson of the NBA Lagos Branch who led the delegation, Abiye Tam George, has called for transparency in prosecuting the case.
The lawyers are on their way to the home of their deceased colleague to pay a condolence visit.
Eyewitnesses claim that the officer was visibly drunk and all entreaties from his colleagues to allow the woman’s husband who was driving the car to go proved abortive.
While the woman’s husband was looking for a space to park his car, the officer shot at the vehicle and the bullet hit the deceased in her chest and died on the spot.
Also reacting, the NBA has said it will ensure that justice is served in the case of the lawyer,
Also reacting, 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 @YCMaikyau SAN is right on this and we shall ensure that justice is duly served.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command, CP. Abiodun Alabi, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Barrister Bolanle Raheem shot dead on Sunday, December 25, 2022, according to SP. Hundeyin.
The Police say, “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,” the Police boss said.
