The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has condemned the shooting and killing of a lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, by a police officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.
Thenewsbearer learnt that the police officer shot and killed the lawyer on Christmas Day, Sunday, December 25, 2022.
In a statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, 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.
He said that the act did not portray the Standard Operating Procedure of the Nigeria Police Force and its core values.
Commiserating with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased, the IGP prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul.
He assured the general public of justice in the case while he warned officers and men of the Force to be professional and people-oriented in the discharge of their duties.
The IGP said that they should operate within the ambit of the law, as the Force leadership would not condone any inappropriate or unprofessional acts.
Also, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Abiodun Alabi, expressed heartfelt condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of the murdered lawyer
The command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Benjamin Hundeyin, in a statement, said that the errant officer and his team members had been taken into custody on the instruction of the Commissioner of Police.
“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, 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 statement read.
