3 cops dismissed for killing youth, injuring another in Lagos
Three policemen have been dismissed from the Force for killing a yet-to-be identified young man and injuring another at Amukoko area of Lagos State.
The policemen, who were identified as Sergeant Osaseri Saturday with Force No. 25759, Sergeant Segun Okun with Force No. and Corporal Adekunle Oluwarotimi with Force No. 35 9075, were arrested on the orders of the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Imohimi Edgal.
It was gathered that the Lagos State police boss also directed that the three cops be tried.
Our correspondent gathered that the policemen had allegedly opened fire on some youths on Thursday, January 11, 2017, along Ifelodun street, Amukoko, killing one of them on the spot. The incident sparked protest from some residents of the area.
It was gathered that the residents stormed the Amukoko Police Division, demanding that the policemen be handed over to them.
A witness, Taiyo Ojo, alleged that the deceased was with some of his friends when they were accosted by the policemen.
He said: “Before we knew what was happening the policemen opened fire on the youths. The deceased was hit by bullet in the chest. He was rushed to a nearby hospital where he was confirmed dead.”
He added that the policemen fled the area in their patrol vehicle when they noticed that the victim had died.
Another resident, Rahim Kasali, said on hearing of the demise of the young man, some members of the public mobilized themselves and stormed the station.
He however added that those who went to the station were prevented from entering by armed policemen stationed at the entrances.
The Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Chike Oti, who confirmed the death of the young man said all the three policemen involved in the case have been tried and dismissed.
He said: “The general public is hereby informed that three policemen attached to Amukoko Division by names and service numbers: 25759 Sgt. Osaseri Saturday, 35 9075 Sgt. Segun Okun, 496833 Cpl. Adekunle Oluwarotimi have been tried and dismissed from the Nigeria Police for breaching the rules of engagement.
“The aforementioned Non Commissioned Officers (NCOs), committed the offence on the 11/01/2018, at about 9.30 pm, at Ifelodun street, Amukoko, Lagos State when they disproportionately responded with bullets fired from their weapons at some youths alleged to have hurled some non ballistic missiles at them such as stones, sticks and bottles leading to the death of one of the youths and injury on another.
“They were arrested, detained and tried immediately on the orders of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, CP Edgal Imohimi. The guilty verdict was passed on them by the adjudicating officer who considered that the officers did not appreciate the situation critically and ought not to have applied the maximum force on the unruly youths.
“Meanwhile the officers will be charged to court next week, while a duplicate copy of the case file would be sent to the Directorate of Public Prosecution ( DPP) for legal advice.
“Sequel to the above occurrence, the Commissioner of Police has directed all the Area Commanders and DPOs in Lagos State to warn their men against misapplication of force. He further warned that officers must abide by the Rules of Engagement ( ROE) as stipulated in Force Order 237.”