Police to release two officers arrested over killing of Bolanle Raheem

 

The Lagos police command says two officers arrested over the killing of Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer, would be released today.

 

The officers were present when Dambri Vandi, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), shot seven months pregnant Raheem in front of her family on Christmas Day.

 

Benjamin Hundeyin, the Lagos police command spokesperson, told NAN on Tuesday that the officers were not involved in the crime.

 

He said they were taken into protective custody immediately after the incident and were later transferred to the state criminal investigation department.

 

Hundeyin said the officers, from Ajiwe police station in Ajah, were only detained for interrogation and testimonies.

 

“The two policemen arrested with ASP who killed the lawyer will be released today (Tuesday) after giving their testimonies to the command,” he said.

 

“They were arrested because they saw what happened. They were not the ones who allegedly killed the woman.

 

 “They have given their stories on what happened and the CP has ordered that they should be released while investigations continue.”

 

Hundeyin said the commissioner of police, Abiodun Alabi, had earlier changed the DPO of Ajiwe police station after the killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on December 7.

 

“The condemnable incident is against the standard operating procedure (SOP) and rules of engagement of the Force, and to say the least is embarrassing,” he said.

 

“Beyond this incident, the Nigeria Police Force will carry out a reappraisal of its rules of engagement, to put an end to such avoidable ugly incidents.”

 

The murder of Raheem has elicited heated criticism from the public, presidential candidates and the Lagos state government.

 

Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police, has promised that justice will be “speedily” dispensed in the matter.