The House of Representatives has demanded justice for a lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, who was murdered by a police deputy superintendent, Drambi Vandi.
The police officer, seconded to Ajiwe Police Division, Ajah, Lagos State, shot dead the victim on Christmas Day while he was in a car with members of his family.
In Wednesday’s plenary session, members of the House observed a minute’s silence in honor of Raheem and Gafaru Braimoh, another victim of an extrajudicial killing by another police officer from the same division.
The legislators demanded “that an immediate investigation be carried out to obtain justice for the two victims.”
They also resolved that “police officers should be prohibited from consuming alcohol and other hard substances capable of inhibiting their sense of reasoning and ability to perform their duties judiciously.”
The House stated that there should be zero tolerance for misconduct in the Nigerian Police Force.
The resolutions were based on a motion of urgent public importance submitted by the legislator representing the Eti-Osa federal constituency in Lagos State, Babajide Obanikoro, entitled “Urgent need to investigate the murder of Ms. Bolanle Raheem”, legislators unanimously approved.
Introducing the motion, Obanikoro said: “The House notes that on Sunday, December 25, 2022, Ms. Raheem and her family were returning from church when Nigerian police officers detained them in the Ajah area. Without any altercation, one of the officers, ASP Drambi Vandi, took aim and shot Ms. Raheem on the spot. She was seven months pregnant with twins.
“The Chamber is concerned that the same incident occurred on 7 December by officers from the same Ajiwe police station, who shot dead a young man, Gafaru Braimoh, sparking civil unrest.
“The House is concerned that these kinds of events happen often in Nigeria and officers often get away with shooting and killing the very innocent citizens they were sworn to protect.”
Meanwhile, Police Inspector General Usman Baba has recommended Vandi’s immediate suspension.
Force spokesman Olumuyiwa Adejobi, in a statement, said the suspension was in line with internal police disciplinary processes.
Adejobi said: “The IG further noted that the suspension is expected to create an environment conducive to legal proceedings necessary to uphold justice in the case without interference.
“The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favor of the official.”
Police Service Commission spokesman Ikechukwu Ani said the commission would look into the IG’s recommendation and make an appropriate decision.
