As part of the engagements of the NBA with relevant stakeholders, the NBA President, Y. C. Maikyau OON, SAN, in the company of the General Secretary, Adesina Adegbite, Welfare Secretary Chinyere Obasi and the Charles Ajiboye, the National Assistant Publicity Secretary, Vice Chairman of Lagos Branch, Mrs. Abiye Tam-George who also doubles as the Secretary of the NBA-Bolanle/Gafaru Ad-HOC Committee and senior members of the bar visited the Attorney General of Lagos State, the Commissioner of Police Lagos State and the Assistant Inspector-General of Police Zone 2 over police brutality.
The meeting is against the background of the recent killings of Mrs Bolanle Raheem and Mr Gafaru Buraimoh, both around the Ajah area of Lagos State. The President expressed deep dissatisfaction over the unfortunate incidents and particularly demanded that the perpetrators be made to face the wrath of the law.
The President also complained about the low remuneration and poor condition of living of police officers as a major setback in the quest for a secure nation. He advocated for adequate funding and support of the Nigerian Police Force.
He also recommended that police officers who are legal practitioners be effectively deployed to the various formations of the Nigerian Police Force to provide guidance and advice to their colleagues.
In their responses, the AG and the Police Chiefs expressed their commitment towards ensuring that things improved within the Police sector.
The Commissioner of Police Lagos State in his response assured the delegation that he is committed to ensuring that there is an end to extra-judicial killings in the state. He also mentioned that technical training in line with global best practices is being organized from time to time for police officers in the Lagos command.
He expressed his gratitude to the Nigerian Bar Association and her leadership for properly engaging with the police and for allowing them a free hand to decisively deal with the matters. He then assured the delegation that the police even at the highest authorities are committed to ensuring that justice prevails in the two cases.
The Lagos AG assured the President and his delegation that the government is committed to prosecuting the cases of the extra judicial killings of both Bolanle and Gafarau fairly and expeditiously. And that all available resources would be deployed to ensure that justice is done. He also noted that the Ministry of Justice is working with the police to ensure that all that is required is done expeditiously.
In his response, the AIG assured the delegation that the police is committed to ensuring the safety of lives and properties and more importantly, the protection and preservation of the rule of law. He stressed the need for cooperation among stakeholders to ensure that the police discharge their primary duties. He expressed the commitment of the police to ensure that the perpetrators of the recent killings are prosecuted in accordance with the law.
He also mentioned that the Lagos State Government is giving all the necessary support in decisively dealing with the matter.
