Bolanle Raheem: NBA demands ₦5bn over killing of member

Trailing the cruel murder of Omobolanle Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, by a trigger-happy police officer, the association has said it would seek at least ₦5 billion compensation for the family of the slain lawyer from the Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police Force.

This was contained in a statement issued on Thursday, December 29, 2022, by a member of NBA Lagos branch and rights activist, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN).

What NBA said: According to the statement, the association would also monitor the trial of Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, who allegedly shot and killed the lawyer in the Ajah area of Lagos on Christmas Day.

Adegboruwa said in a bid to ensure a quick justice for the slain lawyer, the NBA Lagos branch in conjunction with the NBA President, Mr. Y.C. Mikyau, SAN, decided to be part of the prosecution of the trigger-happy policeman

“The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government, and indeed the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee.

“The NBA will seek for payment of damages not less than five billion naira in addition to the prosecution of the killer cop.”

What has been going on: There has been public outrage over the killing of the lawyer who was shot while returning from a Christmas outing on Sunday.

Usman Alkali Baba, the Inspector-General of Police, had on Wednesday, 28 December, recommended the suspension of the officer to pave way for proper investigation into what triggered the incident.

Also, Representative Ibrahim Babajide Obanikoro of Eti-Osa constituency, moved a motion to investigate the circumstances leading to the killing of Barrister Bolanle Raheem, and prosecute the officers involved with a view to getting justice, and to stop officers from taking alcohol while on duty.