Disquiet In Lagos As Trigger-happy Policeman Kills Lawyer

A trigger-happy policeman has killed a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, in the Ajah area of the state.

The incident caused apprehension in some parts of the state.

LEADERSHIP gathered that Omobolanle, a member of the Lagos branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), was shot dead on Sunday by the policeman while returning from the Christmas service.

Witnesses said the late lawyer was inside a vehicle and had gotten to the Ajah under the bridge area when the fatal shot hit her.

According to a family member, who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity, the matter was reported at the Ajiwe Police Station, saying the family are skeptical about getting  justice since the trigger-happy policeman is from the station.

According to him, “Barrister Omobolanle was seated in the front with her husband who was  driving. The officer asked them to park and they needed the vehicle in front to move so they could park well, but the police officer shot at a close range right into her chest. On seeing what happened, the police officers on the scene fled.

“After a while, some policemen came and moved her body to the mortuary in Yaba without obtaining any consent from her family members. The police officer is from Ajiwe station.’’

The police public relations officer, Lagos State Command, Benjamin Hundeyin,  who confirmed the tragic incident, said the officer responsible for the killing as well as his team members had been taken into custody.

He tweeted, “The ASP that shot and two others with him have since been taken into custody. They are to be moved to the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) for further investigation.

“The Lagos State Police Command condoles with the family, friends and colleagues of Barrister Bolanle Raheem.

“The commissioner of police, Lagos State Command, CP Abiodun Alabi, has been in touch with the family and the Nigerian Bar Association since yesterday and has given firm assurances that justice will definitely prevail.”