Buhari orders strong action against killer of Omobolanle Raheem

…as police release two arrested officers in connection with shooting

President Muhammadu Buhari has directed police authorities to take “very strong action” against Dambri Vandi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), responsible for the killing of Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem in Ajah, Lagos on Sunday.

Reacting to the “heinous and senseless” killing of Mrs. Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, on Christmas Day, the president said the incident was a stark reminder of the recurring menace of the mishandling of weapons and a wakeup call to law enforcement agencies, including the Police to ensure the full implementation of reforms instituted by the administration on the subject of weapons handling as well as the protection of the rights of citizens.

“In this hour of grief, the nation stands in solidarity with the bereaved family and the NBA. I assure that justice will be done in this case,” the president said.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command said the two police officers arrested with ASP Vandi, over the alleged killing of Mrs. Raheem would be released today (Tuesday) as they were not involved in the crime.

The command’s spokesperson, Benjamin Hundeyin , confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Tuesday, while giving an update on the killing.

Hundeyin said they were taken into protective custody immediately and were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.

He said that the two police officers arrested with the ASP were detained for interrogation and testimonies.

“The two police men arrested with ASP, who killed the lawyer will be released today (Tuesday) after giving their testimonies to the command.

“They were arrested because they saw what happened. They were not the ones who allegedly killed the woman.

“They have given their stories on what happened and the CP has ordered that they should be released while investigations continue,” he said.

On the update about similar killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on December 7, by a police officer from the same Ajiwe police station, Hundeyin said that the officer was still in detention, yet to be charged to court.

The image maker said the police officer was yet to be arraigned because his dismissal order had not been released.

“There are indeed consequences. The officer is still in detention at the SCID. His investigation is being wrapped up.

“Once his dismissal order comes out, he will be charged to court immediately,” he said.

Hundeyin said that there was nothing wrong with the spot or area where the killings took place, but the officers, who killed, would be held responsible for their actions.

He noted that when the first incident occurred on December 7, the Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi, changed the DPO of the station.

“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 Procedure, 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, to put an end to such avoidable ugly incidents,” Hundeyin said.

The spokesman appealed to residents of the state to remain calm as the command was already in touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice prevailed.