The death of a Lagos lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, is still generating a whirlpool of reactions on social media with a large number of Nigerians demanding justice for the slain legal professional.
Ikeja Bird recalls that Bolanle was shot dead on Christmas day, Sunday, December 25, by a police officer attached to Ajah in Lagos state.
Heavily pregnant Bolanle was killed by a trigger-happy Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) while she was coming from a church service together with her husband.
The Nigeria Police Force (NPF) and the Lagos police command have since expressed their condolences to the family of the bereaved, describing the tragic incident as sad and unfortunate.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), the highest body of legal professionals in Nigeria, has also condemned the killing of their colleague in a statement by its national publicity secretary, Lawal Akorede.
With the shooting still sparking outrage, top politicians have also lent their voices to the incident and demanded a prompt in-depth investigation.
It’s senseless killing – Tinubu
Among those who spoke on the issue is the presidential candidate of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
In a series of tweets, the former Lagos governor described Bolanle’s death as an “avoidable tragedy” which is regrettable.
He urged the police force 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.”
I spoke with Raheem’s husband – Sanwo-Olu
The governor of Lagos state, Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, has also expressed his condolence. In a tweet on Tuesday, December 27, the governor said he has established a conversation with the husband and family of the deceased.
He also vowed that justice will be served.
“I spoke with Mr Gbenga Raheem, husband of late Bolanle Raheem as well as her sister earlier this evening. While expressing my condolences on this very sad loss, I assured them that we will do all to see that justice is served, and timely too,” Sanwo-Olu said.
Bolanle’s death heartbreaking, stands condemned – Atiku
Presidential frontrunner, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has also condemned Bolanle’s death, describing it as “heartbreaking.”
In a tweet, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) flagbearer also called for justice for the deceased and “expressed deepest condolences to the family, friends and the Nigeria Bar Association, in particular its Lagos chapter.”
“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,” he tweeted.
Meanwhile, the officer involved in the shooting and his team have been disarmed and subjected to room trial.
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