Group Demands Prosecution Of Killer Policeman

Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal.

Group Demands The Immediate Removal Of The Divisional Police Officer Of Isheri Osun Police Division And The Area M Commander

The prosecution of a policeman attached to the Isheri Osun Police Division, Lagos, alleged for killing a graduate, Jude Okoronta, has been demanded by a human rights organisation, Know Your Rights Initiative.

The arrest and arraignment of some youths who were accused of damaging the property of a hotel in Ijegun, Ikotun, where the victim was allegedly shot dead by the cop was spoken against by the group.

The NGO, in a petition to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and the Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, alleged that the residents were arrested while in a meeting with the Area M Commander over the killing.

Punch had earlier reported that the victim was waiting for a motorcycle to take him home when he was killed by the cop.

The Area M Commander, identified only as ACP Akika, allegedly had a meeting with some aggrieved youths over the killing.

The meeting was on when some policemen reportedly swooped on the residents and arrested them.

Know Your Rights, in its petition, alleged that the youths were taken to the Idimu Police Station, adding that while some of them granted bail, others were arraigned before a chief magistrate’s court on charges of stealing, conspiracy and destruction of property.

The petition read in part, “Sir, Know Your Rights is writing this letter with a heavy heart, sadness of mind, but sincerity of purpose. We wish to express our displeasure over the illegal activities of so called men of the Nigeria Police Force.

“Know Your Rights is calling on your good offices to urgently look into the charge sheet No MM/E/133/2018 where some innocent citizens have been charged to court on trumped-up charges of stealing and vandalising of property valued at N17, 439,000.

“On June 4, the Area Commander charged the six persons namely: Taiwo Abbey, Tochukwu Joseph, Raphael Balogun, Kingsley Abel, Silas Uddo and Ibrahim Jamiu, to court.

“Sir, with due respect and regards to your noble office, Know Your Rights is of the opinion that the criminal matter filed by the Area M Command has no prima facie. We, therefore, humbly urge you to carry out an in-depth investigation into the above matter.

“Sir, Know Your Rights is also appealing to your office to grant a no case submission to the six accused for justice, fairness and equity to prevail on this matter.”

The group, which called for the arrest and prosecution of the killer policeman, also demanded the “immediate removal” of the Divisional Police Officer of Isheri Osun Police Division and the Area M Commander.