The Lagos State Police Command says two police officers arrested with Assistant Superintendent of Police Dambri Vandi over the alleged killing of Omobolale Raheem would be released today (Tuesday) as they were not involved in the crime.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin , confirmed this to the News Agency of Nigeria.
Hundeyin spoke on Tuesday when he gave an update on the killing.
NAN reports that the police in Lagos on Christmas Day arrrested Vandi and two other officers attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah area for allegedly killing Raheem, a lawyer, same day.
Hundeyin said they were taken into protective custody immediately and were later transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department for thorough investigation.
He said that the two police officers arrested with the ASP were detained for interrogation and testimonies.
He said: “The two policemen arrested with the 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 Commissioner of Police has ordered that they should be released while investigations continue.”
On the update about similar killing of one Gafaru Buraimoh on December 7, 2022 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.
“Once his dismissal order comes out, he will be charged to court immediately.”
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 December 7, the CP, Abiodun Alabi, changed the Divisional Police Officer of the station after the incident.
He added: “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 Pperating Procedure 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.”
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.
