The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the Christmas Day murder of its member, Omobolanle Raheem by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State.
The incident occurred while Mrs Raheem was returning from a Christmas church service with her husband and other family members.
According to the National Publicity Secretary, Habeeb Lawal, The NBA President, Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, (SAN) upon receiving the sad news made efforts to get across to the deceased’s husband, who understandably has been unavailable to answer calls.
“The NBA President has however spoken to the brother-in-law of our deceased member and extended the condolence of the NBA to the family of late Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem and assured the family of the support of the NBA in this difficult time.”
It was also revealed that the NBA President has engaged the police authorities including the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Bode Adeyinka Adeleke, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Abiodun Alabi.
The NBA statement also reveal that the Police Command in Lagos state has confirmed that the suspected murderer is one ASP Drambi Vandi, who has been in the police service for 33 years.
The Bar body is demanding that the Nigerian Police officially disclose and immediately release to Nigerians the fuller details of the officer and other officers responsible for the heinous act.
The NBA President has also informed the police of its resolve to be a complainant in the case along with the family of late Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem.
“The NBA President has in this regard constituted a team comprising of National Officers, Chairman and Vice Chairperson of NBA Lagos Branch and Chairman of NBA Ikeja Branch with a mandate to follow up and ensure a speedy but thorough investigation of this crime.”
The NBA also confirmed that on or about 7th December, 2022 another victim, Gafaru Buraimoh who was on his way to buy fuel was murdered in Ajah in a similar manner by a police officer attached to the Ajiwe Police Station.
“The NBA is disturbed that the Nigerian Police seems to be back to the dark days of police brutality and admonish that the lessons from the #EndSARS Protest should not be lost on any individual or authority.
“the NBA will not only get to the root of this incident, we will uproot it and take steps to deal with anyone found culpable in every lawful way. We will ensure that this does not happen to any citizen anymore.”
