Trigger-happy cop: IGP orders speedy probe into killing of Lagos lawyer

The Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba on Monday condemned the shooting and killing of Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer who was shot and killed by a trigger-happy policeman in Lagos.

The policeman had shot the lawyer, while her husband was trying to park their car after they were stopped by a police team attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos State.

The couple were returning from the Christmas Service when the policeman shot and killed the lawyer.

The team had fled the scene after the incident, while another team came to take the corpse away. The family and the Nigeria Bar Association had expressed reservation about the handling of the case by the police, despite assurances by the state Police Public Relations Officer.

However, the IGP, who described the incident as unfortunate and sad, assured Nigerians that the matter would not be swept under the carpet.

A statement by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, stated that the IGP “has ordered speedy investigation and prosecution of the officers responsible for the ugly and unprofessional act, which doesn’t portray the Nigeria Police Standard Operating Procedure and core values.”

Adejobi added, “In the same vein, the IGP commiserates with the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased as he prays for the repose of her soul. He further assures the general public of justice in the case while he warns officers and men of the Force to be professional and people-oriented in the discharge of their duties and operate within the ambit of the law, as the Force’s leadership will not condone any inappropriate or unprofessional acts.”