Barring a last minute development on the case of slain Lagos lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, two suspected police officers who were detained in connection with the crime may be released any moment from now.
This was revealed by the state command on Tuesday saying the officers were not involved in the crime.
The command’s spokesperson , SP Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed this to newsmen while giving an update on the killing.
RovingNaija News had reported that the police in Lagos, on Christmas Day arrested an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Dambri Vandi and two other officers attached to Ajiwe police station in Ajah area for allegedly killing one Mrs Omobolale Raheem, a lawyer who was returning from Christmas Service alongside her family.
Hundeyin said they were taken into protective custody immediately and were later transfered to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.
He noted that the two police officers arrested with the ASP were detained for interrogation and testimonies.
“The two police men arrested with ASP , who killed the lawyer will be released today (Tuesday) after giving their testimonies to the command.
“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,” he said.
On the update about similar killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on Dec 7, by a police officer from the same Ajiwe police station, Hundeyin said that the officer was still in detention, yet to be charged to court.
The image maker said the police officer was yet to be arraigned because his dismissal order has not been released.
“There are indeed consequences. The officer is still in detention at the SCID. His investigation is being wrapped up.
“Once his dismissal order comes out, he will be charged to court immediately,” he said.
Hundeyin said that there was nothing wrong with the spot or area where the killings took place, but the officers, who killed would be held responsible for their actions.
He noted that when the first incident occurred on Dec. 7, the commissioner of police, Abiodun Alabi, changed the DPO of the station after the incident.
“This has become one too many, especially, bearing in mind that a similar incident occurred at the same location less than three weeks ago.
“The condemnable incident is against the standard operating procedure (SOP) and rules of engagement of the Force, and to say the least is embarrassing.
“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,” Hundeyin said.
The spokesman appealed to residents of the State to remain calm as the Command was already in touch with the Nigerian Bar Association and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that justice totally prevailed.
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