The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, responsible for the shooting and killing of Barrister Omobolanle Raheem while waiting for the detailed report on the incident.
The IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter. He therefore appeals to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.
BUHARI RECOMMENDS STRONGEST MEASURE AGAINST KILLER COP
President Muhammadu Buhari yesterday directed the police to take the strongest possible action against the officials involved in the killing of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, the lawyer who was allegedly shot dead by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on Christmas day in Lagos.
Buhari, in a statement by his Senior Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, also assured the family and colleagues of the deceased lawyer that justice would be served in the matter.
The President described the killing of Mrs Raheem as “heinous and senseless”, also noting that it was a wake-up call to law enforcement agencies to ensure the implementation of all reforms introduced by the administration to better service delivery by agencies, especially on weapons’ handling and citizens’ rights.
“President Buhari said this incident is 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”the statement said.
