The Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) has condemned, in strong terms, the unprofessional conduct of the police that led to the killing of a female lawyer, Mrs Omobilanle Raheem, by a Police officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah, Lagos, on Christmas day.
This is contained in a statement from the Lagos chapter of CDHR titled “The Nigeria Police Brutality: A Call for Total Regard for Human Rights of Every Nigerian and Respect for Rule of Law,” signed by the Vice Chairman, Comrade Omidiji Adebayo and made available to the National Association of Online Security Reporters, (NAOSRE).
The civil society group demanded swift investigation of the incident leading to the untimely death of Omobolanle Raheem, open apology from the police authorities and adequate compensation to families of victims among other claims.
The statement read, “This release was borne out and meant to address a very serious issue that bothers on the Nigeria Police Force unprofessionalism and brutality on her citizenry because the file of complaints from members of public to our office is already over filled and reached crescendo.
“The Committee for the of Human Rights was formed in 1989 and has been existing in Nigeria as a foremost Human Rights civil society organization whose activities contributed in no small measure and at great sacrifice by its members to the termination of military rule in Nigeria geared towards the achievement of the hard- earned democratic space being enjoyed currently.
“It is therefore our avowed responsibility to watch over the polity and monitor especially the unprofessional excesses cum impunity of officers of Nigeria Police such that the country does not regress to the abyss from which it was salvaged at very high human and material cost.
“We are interested in furthering the course rule of law in Nigeria which the government has vowed to uphold.
“It is pursuant to this that we proactively put up this press release to look into the activities of officers and men of the Nigeria police force most of which summarily amount to abuse of office, unprofessional conducts, corruption, impunity and above all violation of the hallowed principle of rule of law.
“Our country is plagued with several threatening factors (even in the hands of authorities that should secure us) varying from insecurity,, terrorism, kidnapping, robbery, cultism, gangsterism, ritualism, poverty and other social vices etc.
“It is however worrisome, disheartening and more frustrating that the police that is saddled with the responsibility of protection of lives and maintenance of law and order are transparently projecting itself as enemy to the people.
“Recently, precisely 25th December, 2022; (Christmas Day). A young promising healthy lawyer Mrs Omobolanle Raheem being member of Nigeria Bar Association Lagos branch was shot dead at close range by trigger happy policeman attached to Ajiwe police divisional Headquarter at a check point via under bridge Ajah Lagos.
“It was gathered that this was the second gruesome murder recorded within space of a month by same Ajiwe police station on 7th Dec., 2022 of one Mr Gafari Buraimoh. Similarly, report at our disposal has it that a motorcyclist was also shot at Ikorodu by men of Nigeria police force.
“However, it is worthy to state that there are only few officers at various police sections who are often well mannered. Hence CDHR is willing and ready to form a synergy with NBA as we are at the vanguard of defending victims of right violation.
“If brutalities continues, we shall be forced to conclude that under a democratic administration, constitutional rights are not respected nor given but must be taken through the united action of the people. EndSARS is still fresh in the memory of All Nigerians.
OUR DEMANDS
- Prompt and swift investigations into the untimely death of Omobolanle Raheem
- No sacred cow as police authority should Unravel the incident, culprits and Prosecution of police officers involved
- Open Apology and Adequate compensation to families of victims
“We are closely monitoring the IG and CP Lagos on their investigations and attitudinal reform of police as we give every assurance of our co-operation / support in ensuring a just and peaceful society
“The CDHR remain steadfast in our pursuit of an egalitarian society where fundamental rights of every individual is protected and this includes members of Nigeria police force.”
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