Reactions and condolence messages have continued to pour in for Lagos based lawyer, Bolanle Raheem who was shot dead on Christmas Day by an operative of Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah.
According to her colleague and Human Rights Activist, the late Raheem was Pregnant before her demise.
The senseless killing of unarmed female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem by a police officer must not be swept under the carpet. Enough is enough! #JusticeForBolanleRaheem
— Nike Adeyemi (@NikeAdeyemi) December 26, 2022
This is ASP Ayuba, the rogue policeman at Ajiwe Police Station, Ajah that murdered a pregnant lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas day while the victim was returning from Church with her husband. We were at the station this morning and paid a condolence visit to the family. pic.twitter.com/kfLdwR0RDI
— Inibehe Effiong (@InibeheEffiong) December 26, 2022
The Lagos State police command has pleaded with residents to remain calm as the police officer involved and two others have been taken into custody. The command also noted that it is in touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant agencies to ensure that justice prevails.
The Lagos State Police Command hereby appeals to the good people and residents of Lagos State to remain calm as the Command is already in constant touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders towards ensuring that justice totally prevails.
— Lagos State Police Command (@LagosPoliceNG) December 26, 2022
Meanwhile, the identity of the Officer has also been made known by the Public Relations Officer of the Lagos Police Command.
He is ASP Dambri Vandi. He is currently at the SCID and investigation will be swift.
— SP Benjamin Hundeyin (@BenHundeyin) December 26, 2022
Governor of Lagos State, Babajide Sanwo-Olu has promised that justice will be served speedily and nothing will be spared under the laws of Lagos State.
The Lagos State police command have arrested, disarmed and detained the officer(s) involved in the incident.
— Babajide Sanwo-Olu (@jidesanwoolu) December 26, 2022
Nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State until justice is served speedily and adequately.
Meanwhile, Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party, Albanian Atiku Abubakar has condemned the killing of the lawyer. He says the shooting calls for reforms with the Nigeria Police Force. He is also calling for quick dispensation of justice.
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.
— Atiku Abubakar (@atiku) December 26, 2022
His counterpart of the All Progressive Party, Bola Ahmed Tinubu is also in support of the reforms with the Force while also urging the Inspector General of Police to ensure speedy justice in the matter.
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.
— Bola Ahmed Tinubu (@officialABAT) December 26, 2022
The avoidable tragedy, which cost a family a beloved member and our country a diligent legal professional, underscores, yet again, pic.twitter.com/hMrKWVNi8C
Peter Obi of the Labour Party in his condolence message says we must not allow the death of any Nigerian in any guise.
I am shocked by the mindless killing of Mrs. Bolanle Raheem by a trigger-happy policeman on a Christmas day. Her death is a huge loss to her immediate and extended family. Like I've always said, a well trained and professional police officer will not engage in police brutality.
— Peter Obi (@PeterObi) December 26, 2022
Rabiu Kwankwanso of the New Nigeria’s People Party says the duty of the police should be to protect lives and not the opposite.
The murder of Mrs Bolanle Raheem by a trigger-happy policeman underscores the need to bring thorough sanity into the Nigerian Police Force. Police officers should be the first layer of protection for citizens and shouldnβt be consistently caught being the opposite.
— Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso (@KwankwasoRM) December 26, 2022
Many other Nigerians are now calling for justice for the late lawyer insisting that the officers involved pay for their crime.
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 2 weeks ago.
— Mr Macaroni (@mrmacaronii) December 26, 2022
This barbarism by the Nigerian Police must come to an end.
These Murderers must pay for their crimes!!!
ππππ 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 canβt even say more. The Nigerian police are killers πππππ
— Bolanle Olukanni (@bolanleolukanni) December 26, 2022
This is tragic!!!!π’π’π’Such a disheartening encounter on CHRISTMAS DAY!
— Funke Akindele (@funkeakindele) December 26, 2022
Bolanle Raheem could have been any one of us. While we are celebrating with our families , sadly a trigger happy policeman denied her of having such opportunity . pic.twitter.com/EX07ThZoNa
The senseless killing of unarmed female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem by a police officer must not be swept under the carpet. Enough is enough! #JusticeForBolanleRaheem
— Nike Adeyemi (@NikeAdeyemi) December 26, 2022