26th December, 2022
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch has reacted to the killing of its member, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem by the police in Lagos and called for speedy trial of the culprit.
Chairman, NBA, Lagos branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna, in a statement on Monday said at about 5pm on Sunday, when everyone was celebrating the Christmas holiday, he received the sad news of the killing of Raheem by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force under the Jubilee bridge at Ajah, Lagos State.
“I immediately reached out to the Branch Vice Chairperson and Chairperson of the Human Rights Committee (Mrs. Abiye Tam-George) who with other members of her committee swung into action to confirm the veracity of the news.
Sadly, the news has since been confirmed to be true and the remains of our slain colleague deposited at the Mortuary.
“The police authorities have confirmed that the police officer who shot and killed our colleague has been arrested and is currently being detained.
“I have been in touch with Lagos State Police Command Public Relations Officer (Benjamin Hundeyin) and the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State (Mr. Abiodun Alabi) who have been very sympathetic and have assured us that the investigation and prosecution of the killer of Mrs. Raheem will be swift.
“The NBA President, Mr. Y. C. Maikyau SAN, and his Exco have also been monitoring the situation to ensure that the matter is given all the serious attention it deserves,” he said.
Uwanna added that members of the NBA, Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee led by Mrs. Tam George had met with the DPO of Ajiwe Police Station, and would meet with the Commissioner of Police later today to emphasize its mandate of ensuring that justice was neither delayed nor denied.
“The committee members have also proceeded to visit the family of our slain member as at the time of releasing this statement.
“I urge us all to take a moment today to pray for the repose of the soul of our slain colleague, and that God will console her husband and family members. We will provide updates as the matter develops,” he said.