This latest shooting calls to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitise the Force and bring it in line with best policing practices
Condolences and condemnations are being expressed across Nigeria over the Christmas day killing by a yet-to-be-identified police officer of Omoblanle Raheem, a Lagos-based lawyer.
Many Nigerians have taken to social media to express outrage over the killing and call for justice for the deceased.
Prominent Nigerians who have sent their condolences to the bereaved family include Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, the Inspector-General of Police, Usman Baba; and a former vice president Atiku Abubakar.
Mrs Raheem was fatally shot by an assistant superintendent of police attached to the Ajiwe police division in the Ajah area of Lagos.
On Monday, the Lagos police spokesperson said the killer cop had been arrested.
In a statement signed by the police spokesperson, Muyiwa Adejobi, on Monday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr Baba, condoled the family of the deceased.
He said the action of the police officer does not represent the core values of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the statement, Mr Baba has ordered a “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.”
Atiku, the presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), condemned the shooting, describing it as “heartbreaking.” The former vice president called for the reformation of the policing system.
“This latest shooting calls to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitise the Force and bring it in line with best policing practices,” he tweeted.
“I call on the police authorities and the Justice system to expedite action on the matter, as justice delayed is justice denied.
“This will serve as a deterrent to the incidents of the irresponsible shooting of innocent citizens by law enforcement agents.”