A coalition of women groups under the aegis of Womanifesto, yesterday, called for justice for the murder of Omobolanle Raheem, a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch, shot by Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Drambi Vandi.
The convener, Womanifesto, Dr. Abiola Akiyode-Afolabi, in a statement said: “We are appalled by her unjust murder and call on Lagos State Government and the Nigeria Police to prosecute ASP Vandi.
“We call for speedy, thorough, transparent and open investigation. This is death too many by reckless police officers. The Nigerian Constitution is clear on the right to life of citizens as a fundamental human right, which cannot be taken arbitrarily by anyone unlawfully.
“The Nigerian police are often quick to use firearms and force unlawfully. Unlawful use of force is a threat to life, liberty, security and equal protection under the law. It’s important to note that there are strict international standards governing how and when police can use force, or firearms; one of which is the United Nations Basic Principles on the use of force and firearms by law enforcement actors which states that police officers should only use lethal force or firearms as a last resort and when such force is strictly necessary to protect themselves from imminent danger or serious injury and when other options are not sufficient.”
The Human Rights lawyer described the killing of Omobolanle as unnecessary and preventable. “How do we justify the necessity in the killing of a pregnant woman who had five children and family in a vehicle? This is one death too many in Nigeria, it’s the obligation of state authorities including police to respect and protect life and not to take it indiscriminately. The Nigeria Police Force must therefore show accountability for this death and several others.”
They must consciously and intentionally end police brutality and harassment a major infringement of human rights. Sections 222 and 223 respectively of Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015 clearly define murder as a capital offence and prescribe its punishment. Section 73 discusses the offence of abuse of power.
