They spoke as Nigerians in unison condemned the killing of the seven-month-old pregnant lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) identified as Ayuba.
By Emma Ogbuehi
Following the killing of a female lawyer in cold-blood in Lagos on Christmas Day by a policeman, two presidential candidates in the 2023 general election, former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, have called for the reform of the Nigerian Police.
While Atiku said the shooting “calls to attention the urgent need for Police reforms that will sanitise the Force and bring it in line with best policing practices,” Tinubu said the tragedy “underscores, yet again, the crucial importance and urgency of reforming the Nigeria Police Force.”
They spoke as Nigerians in unison condemned the killing of the seven-month-old pregnant lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, by an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) identified as Ayuba.
Mrs. Raheem, a property lawyer, was allegedly shot in the chest at close range by Ayuba, who was on a stop-and-search operation at Ajiwe, Ajah on Christmas Day.
It was gathered that the lawyer was in the car driven by her husband on their way from the Christmas Day service when the incident occurred.
Bolanle’s murder occurred barely 17 days after an Inspector from the same Ajiwe Police Station killed a Point of Sale (POS) patron, Gafaru Buraimoh, while pursuing black market fuel sellers.
The lawyer’s younger sister said the policemen flagged down Bolanle’s vehicle and her husband slowed to allow the car in front of him to move so he would be able to park, when the murderer opened fire and killed her instantly.
Atiku Abubakar, presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) said, “The shooting of Bolanle Raheem by a police officer is heartbreaking and stands condemned. 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.”
Tweeting on his confirmed Twitter handle, @atiku, the former Vice President said, “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 irresponsible shooting of innocent citizens by law enforcement agents.
“I express my deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Nigeria Bar Association, in particular its Lagos chapter. May her soul rest in peace. –AA”
In the same vein, Tinubu, the presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said, “I share the grief and frustration of Nigerians over the senseless killing of Mrs. Ombolanle Raheem by a police officer on Christmas Day in Lagos.”
Taking to his verified Twitter handle @officialABAT, the former Lagos State governor, said: “The avoidable tragedy, which cost a family a beloved member and our country a diligent legal professional, underscores, yet again, the crucial importance and urgency of reforming the Nigeria Police Force.
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“The important institution must live up to its constitutional mandate of protecting the people and keeping the peace. Encounters with law enforcement agents should not result in death, injury, or undue harassment for law-abiding citizens. That is unacceptable.
“While I send my sincere condolences to Omobolanle’s family, I urge the Inspector General of Police and other responsible authorities to ensure speedy justice in the matter and demonstrate even greater dedication to the nationwide implementation of measures designed to uphold professionalism within the force.”
Meanwhile, Nigerians from all walks of life have demanded speedy justice, insisting that the matter must not be swept under the carpet.
Lawyer and rights activist, Inebehi Effiong, condemned the incident, describing it as barbaric.
“It is a sad commentary that despite EndSARS, Nigerians are still being slaughtered by the police,” he lamented.
The deceased’s client, Bolanle Olakunri, wrote: “Bolanle Raheem was my real estate agent. She supported me in my goal and was always cheering me on.
“She was so hardworking, positive and such a cheerful spirit. She has a husband and child. I can’t even say more. The Nigeria Police are killers.”
Anya Aku said the Ajiwe Police Station should be investigated because it seems the place was filled with bad eggs.
Aku said: “That Ajiwe police station should be investigated. It seems that the police station is filled with only bad eggs.
“They constantly terrorise us in this Ajah axis with their illegal roadblocks etc.
“So sad about the unwarranted killing of an innocent citizen.”
Ayomide Opalemo wrote: “The same Ajiwe police that killed Gafaru some weeks ago.
“The matter clearly shows now that it is not just the police officers but the station that has been contaminated.”
Tunde Ososanya said: “It’s sad that Barrister Bolanle Raheem met her untimely death at the hands of those employed to protect her life while returning from #ChristmasDay2022 worship.
“This madness must stop! The Nigeria Police Force needs to weed out these trigger-happy officers.”
Olawale Aremu said: “What a country. A policeman attached to this station also killed a harmless civilian earlier this month.
“Bolanle is a very calm and lovely woman. This is so unfortunate. This must not be swept under the carpet.”
Azuh Kaego wrote: “It might not be the right time to say this, I know…Please the Judiciary should see that no one is spared from this bad government…
“So they should always do the needful irrespective of political position… His sentence should be equal to what he has done.”
Hally Kush narrated his close shave with some trigger-happy cops at Zone 4 Traffic Light.
He wrote: “We give guns and uniforms to mad people and pretend all is well. I remember when a police hilux hit my back bumper at the zone 4 traffic light…
“Coming out to check what happened that’s how three of the gun-wielding policemen cocked their rifles and raised them at me…
“I don’t know what would have happened if it had happened to me in a lonely place.”
Nigerians lamented the notoriety of the Ajiwe police station especially some police officers attached to the police station in Ajah.
National Publicity Secretary, NBA, Akorede Lawal, described the incident as unfortunate, adding that the president of the association, Yakubu Maikyau, was monitoring the situation.
He tweeted: “We are aware of this unfortunate incident. This is yet another crime against a lawyer.
“Regrettably, our member is gone. The NBA President @YCMaikyauSAN is right on this and we shall ensure that justice is duly served.”
Popular comedian, Mr. Macaroni said: “A Nigerian Police Officer from Ajiwe division shot and killed Bolanle Raheem on Xmas day.
“It is from this same division an Officer killed Gafaru Buraimoh about two weeks ago.
“This barbarism by the Nigerian Police must come to an end. These murderers must pay for their crimes!!!”
Human rights lawyer Festus Ogun said: “Lawyer Omobolanle Raheem was fatally shot dead by men of the Nigerian Police attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos.
“One death too many. These evil and despicable men in uniform are getting emboldened by their reckless lawlessness. And lawyers are always targeted.”
Journalist Bayo Olupohunda said: “I have been living at Ajah for a while, but I will tell you I dread Ajah Under Bridge.
“Since Ambode completed the bridge, it has been the den of rogue police officers from Ajiwe Police Station, Area Boys & criminals. You can’t even tell the difference”
Popular #EndSARS activist, Rinu Oduala posted: “After surviving a tough year, a police officer in her country kïlled her while she was sitting in a car beside her husband on Christmas Day. One PRO came to tell us ‘avoidable incident’.”