The alleged shooting and death of lawyer Bolanle Raheem yesterday beneath the Ajah bridge by a police officer assigned to the Ajiwe police station occurred as the victim and her family were leaving for a Christmas Day celebration, which Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has strongly condemned.
The Governor was shocked and saddened by the police officer's senseless shooting of "a innocent civilian," whose protection was the officer's main duty.
In order to ensure that justice is done, Sanwo-Olu expressed sympathy to the late Bolanle Raheem's family, friends, and associates. He also promised that the State Government would fully support and cooperate with the police authorities in their investigation to determine the immediate and remote causes of the shooting that resulted in the untimely death of the innocent citizen.
He said: “I have studied preliminary reports on the matter and have instructed the appropriate Government officers to immediately get on it. We must ensure a speedy justice for the late Bolanle. Our Government cannot sit back and watch our citizens killed by the same law enforcers that should ordinarily protect them.
“I’m aware that the Lagos State police command has arrested, disarmed and detained the police officers involved in the shooting incident. I can assure you that the accused persons will have their day in Court and nothing will be spared under the Laws of Lagos State until justice is served adequately. We will ensure that it is done speedily because justice delayed is justice denied.”
Governor Sanwo-Olu however appealed to residents to remain calm and not take the law into their hands on the matter, assuring Lagosians that the Government will live up to her responsibilities and get justice for the late Bolanle Raheem.
The Governor prayed for the repose of the late Bolanle Raheem’s soul, asking God to grant her immediate family and friends the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.