Bolanle Raheem: Women group seeks speedy trial, punishment

Over 223 women organisations under the aegis of Womanifesto have demanded speedy trial of the killer of Lagos lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, ASP Drambi Vandi.

While describing unlawful use of force as “a threat to life, liberty and security”, the women said there were strict international protocol governing how and when police can use force, or firearms.

The convener of Womanifesto and Executive Director of Women Advocates Research and Documentation Centre, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, mad ether call in a statement titled, ‘Justice for Omobolanle Raheem murdered by ASP Drambi Vandi!’

Apart from WARDC, other signatories included 100 Women Lobby Group, Women Aid Collective, Women’s Rights Advancement and Protection Alternative, Above Whispers Media Foundation, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, Prof. Adenike Grange, Moji Makanjuola, Saudatu Mahdi, Josephine Effa-Chukwuma, Esther Eghobami, Prof. Ayodele Atsenuwa, Bisi Fayemi, Prof. Yinka Omorogbe, Julie Oyegun and Josephine Anienih.

Others were Prof. Funmi Para-Mallam, Ene Obi, Fame Foundation, Ebere Ifendu, Christian Women for Excellence and Empowerment in Nigerian Society, Baobab for Women’s Human Rights and Action Aid, Project Alert on Violence Against Women, Transition Monitoring Group, Nigerian Women Trust Fund and Dorothy Njemanze Foundation.

The statement said, “We call for a speedy, thorough, transparent and open investigation. This is a death too many by reckless police officers. The Nigerian constitution is clearer on right to life of the citizens as a fundamental human right which cannot be arbitrarily taken by anyone unlawfully and that right to life shall be protected by law. Nigeria police are often quick to use force and firearms unlawfully.

“Unlawful use of force is a threat to life, liberty, security and equal protection under the law. It’s important to note that there are strict international standards governing how and when police can use force, or firearms; one of which is the UN Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement actors which states that police officers should only use lethal force or firearms as a last resort and when such force is strictly necessary to protect themselves from imminent danger or serious injury and when other options are not sufficient.

“The killing of Omobolanle is unnecessary and preventable. How do we justify the necessity of killing a pregnant woman who had five children and more family members in a vehicle? This is one death too many in Nigeria, it’s the obligation of state authorities including police to respect and protect life and not to take it indiscriminately. Nigerian Police Force must therefore show accountability for this death and several others.

“They must consciously and intentionally end police brutality and harassment which is a major infringement of human rights. Sections 222 and 223 respectively of Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 clearly define murder as a capital offence and prescribe its punishment. Section 73 discusses the offence of abuse of power. ASP Drambi Vandi’s criminal actions have violated Omobolanle’s right to life, personal dignity and freedom. He has deprived her family of the enjoyment of family life through this merciless killing.”