Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has faulted the police investigation of the death of its Eti-Osa branch chairman, Adewale Sanni, saying it lacks transparency and appears to be an attempt to cover up the crime.
The NBA president, Afam Osigwe (SAN), made the allegation at the association’s National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) meeting in Akure, Omdo State
Osigwe criticised the police investigation into the accident that claimed the life of the prominent Bar leader and activist, describing it as inadequate and an attempt to shield those responsible.
He said, “Based on the facts available, the NBA believes the conduct of the assigned investigating police officer (IPO), Inspector Babatunde Steven, along with clear lapses in due process, suggests an attempt to protect those involved and obstruct justice.
“The lack of follow-up on leads, the failure to apprehend the owner or driver of the truck, and the inexplicable discharge of the Honda Civic driver all suggest attempts to shield culpable parties. These actions undermine the credibility of the police investigation and the justice system,” he claimed.
Osigwe, who described Sanni’s death as avoidable, questioned several aspects of the tragic incident.
He noted that the ride-hailing driver who crashed into the Honda car, which was stationary and abandoned on the Apapa-Oshodi Expressway in Lagos, was a key eyewitness.
The NBA president alleged that the driver “was discharged from LUTH without authorisation or police clearance. The IPO has provided no information on the driver’s current whereabouts, further casting doubt on the integrity of the investigation.”
Osigwe revealed that the NBA has formally written to the Lagos State Police Commissioner, Ishola Olanrewaju Olawale, demanding a thorough and transparent investigation into the Bar leader’s death.
“We have requested that a detailed investigation be conducted in this matter with the utmost urgency and professionalism, as our members believe this case has not been handled professionally or thoroughly,” he added.
