Security

…Promises Due Diligence in Investigation

THE Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, met with the Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu at the Force Headquarters, Louis Edet House, Abuja, Thursday, December 29, to discuss amongst other things, possible avenue to achieve speedy justice for the victims of the recent shooting incidents in the state.

The IGP while extending his heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the deceased, reassured that the cases would be meticulously pursued until deserved justice is served, and stressed that the Force is working with the Attorney-General of Lagos State to ensure that the offenders are diligently prosecuted in Courts of competent jurisdiction to serve as a deterrence to others.Realnews reports that 

Baba had 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  Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer, 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.

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. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer, according to a statement signed by  CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi, Force Public Relations Officer, and made available to Realnews.

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 is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter. He, therefore, appeals 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.

Responding, the governor promised to support the Police in making sure that justice is served in the extant case and to collaborate with the police on advocacy programmes to educate the citizenry on understanding and respecting the laws of the land for an improved relationship with the Police. He similarly stressed that his administration will partner with the Police to carry out refresher courses, training, and retraining, and other evaluation processes for police officers in all facets of policing duties.

 Governor Sanwo-Olu equally emphasized the need to provide some equipment like body cameras, non-lethal weapons, etc., to curb excessive use of powers and boost good police/citizens relationships.

The Inspector-General of Police therefore charged all officers to imbibe absolute respect for rule of law and the fundamental rights of all persons, which is the crux and fulcrum of policing services even as he urged members of the public to cooperate with police officers for seamless collaborative efforts to stamp out crimes and criminality in the Nigerian society.

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Tags: Babajide Sanwo-Olu CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi Drambi Vandi IGP Usman Alkali Baba Omobolanle Raheem