From Molly Kilete, Ndubuisi Orji, Abuja
The Inspector-General of Police(IGP), Usman Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police(ASP) Drambi Vandi, over the killing of Barrister Omobolanle Raheem in Lagos on Christmas day.
The recommendation for the suspension of Vandi, according to the IGP, was in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Nigeria Police Force.
The IGP in a statement signed by Force Public Relations Officer (FPRO), CSP Olumiyiwa Adejobi, explained that the suspension was expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference.
He said the suspension was without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
Adejobi’s statement reads:” IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of ASP Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to 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.
The IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force”.
Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice would not just be done, but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter.
He therefore, appealed to the public to be calm as all hands were on deck to ensure that justice prevailed, while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.
Meanwhile, the House of Representatives has called for a ban on police officers from consuming alcohol, and other hard substances capable of inhibiting their sense of reasoning.
Adopting the motion, the lawmakers, while agreeing that the police Act on the general conduct of the police officers, should be reviewed.
The lawmakers also condemned the killing of Raheem, observed a minute silence for her.
The resolution was sequel to the adoption of a motion of Urgent Public Importance, raised by Rep. Babajide Obanikoro (APC-Lagos), at plenary yesterday in Abuja.
Moving the motion, Obanikoro, lamented that on the fateful day, without any altercation, one of the officers shot Raheem, who was seven months pregnant with twins, on the spot.
He recalled that similar incident happened on December 7, by officers from the same police station, who gunned down a young man, which sparked unrest.
He expresed worry that such occurrence happened often across Nigeria, and the officers usually got away with the killing of innocent citizens they swore to protect.
The legislators, also demanded for thorough investigation into the killing, and other incidences of extrajudicial murders committed by police officers.
They,however, called for the immediate probe of the killing and prosecution of the culprit.