… Police Putting Measures In Place To Prevent Future Occurrences
Network of Reproductive Health Journalists, Nigeria, k, has joined other well-meaning Nigerians to condemn the killing of Bolanle Raheem by ASP Drambi Vandi attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah and other innocent citizens.
In a release signed by Mrs. Yinka Shokunbi and Hajia Sekinah Lawal, President and National Secretary respectively, the group described the incident as quite disheartening and very unwarranted, the gruesome killing of innocent Lawyer and mother of one, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem by a Policeman at Ajah, Lagos State on Christmas Day, Sunday Dec. 25, 2022.
While the hierarchy of the Police has suspended the trigger-happy officer and is behind bars awaiting trial, members of the network of Reproductive Health Journalists of Nigeria has called on the Nigeria Police Force NPF, to do more than that.
“Although, the IGP has waded in and ordered speedy trial of the case, it will be expedient that the Police Force conduct regular and periodic psychological checks within its rank and file.”
“This is important because psychological tests are essential in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions and disorders.”
Reports have it that the Late Bolanle Raheem was pregnant with twins when she was shot dead in the presence of her husband, sister and two children, including her only child, by one of the Policemen who mounted road blocks at Ajah under bridge.
The death of Bolanle Raheem from gunshot wound according to news report is the second by the policemen from this same Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos within a month.
“Killing of a pregnant woman in the presence of her family on a day of joy, is heartless, inhuman, unjust and dastardly to say the least.
We demand that the IGP order for a thorough investigation of the Ajiwe Police station and the claims that the station is notorious for such and find a way to include regular medical check up including psychological check on all members of the police who interface with the public.”
Also, the Minister, Federal Ministry of Women Affairs, Dame Pauline Tallen, strongly condemned the dastardly act.
According to her, Nigerian women demand justice as a crime against one woman is a crime against all.
“We demand stiffer penalty as deterrent measure to forestall any such occurrence in the future.
“While we are monitoring with keen interest the next line of action, we sympathize with the family of our sister at this time. This is indeed a great loss not only to her family and the legal profession, but Nigerian women.”
In response to the cries for justice, 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.
In a release signed by CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer,
Force Headquarters, 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.
Meanwhile, the IGP therefore appealed 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.