The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has condemned the killing of one of its members, Omobolanle Raheem, in an incident involving a police officer. Raheem was shot on Sunday.
The shooting was said to have occurred around the Jubilee bridge at Ajah, Lagos state, when the deceased and her family were returning from Christmas service.
According to a statement on Monday, Ikechukwu Uwanna, chairman of the Lagos branch of the NBA, said the police officer is in custody.
“The police authorities have confirmed that the police officer who shot and killed our colleague has been arrested and is currently being detained,” he said.
“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.
“Members of our NBA Lagos Branch Human Rights Committee, led by Mrs. Tam-George, have met with the DPO of Ajiwe Police Station, and will meet with the Commissioner of Police later today to emphasize our mandate of ensuring that justice is 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.”
Meanwhile, Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), has ordered the investigation and prosecution of the officer involved in the incident.
