Ex-cop remanded over killing of motorcyclist

A dismissed police sergeant has been ordered to be remanded in prison custody pending the determination of a culpable homicide case against him.

Achimi Gabriel was charged before an FCT High Court in Maitama on a one count charge for allegedly causing the death of one Ishaku Musa, a commercial motorcycle rider on May 10, 2017 at Lugbe area of Abuja.

Police said Gabriel fired a shot from his AK-47 rifle which hit and caused the death of the deceased, “knowing that death is the likely consequence of your rash act.” The offence is punishable under S224 of the Penal Code.

Gabriel however pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.

Following his plea, police prosecutor Donatus Abah told the court that Gabriel was tried through police orderly room trial and dismissed before he was charged to court.

However, the trial judge, Justice Aladetoyinbo, ordered that the case file be transferred to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for the sake of fair hearing. He observed that since the case was investigated by the police who have tried the defendant, found him guilty and dismissed him, it was unfair for the same police to still prosecute the defendant.

He ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kuje prisons and adjourned the case to May 2nd for hearing.