”The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.”
The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi over the killing of Lagos lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem.
This is without prejudice to the findings of the Lagos Police Command which announced today that it has forwarded the outcome of its independent investigation to the Inspector General of Police.
The news of the suspension of the killer cop was contained in a statement on Wednesday by the Force Public Relations Officer, CSP Olumuyiwa Adejobi.
The statement noted that the suspension is to “create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference.”
The officer would be on suspension while the internal disciplinary process of the Police Force continues.
IGP Baba appeals to members of the public to remain calm and exercise patience while the investigations continue, assuring that justice would take its full course.
The full statement on the directive reads: “The Inspector-General of Police, IGP Usman Alkali Baba, psc (+), NPM, NEAPS, fdc, CFR, has recommended the immediate suspension of Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi, the officer attached to the Ajah Divisional Headquarters of the Lagos State Police Command, responsible for the shooting and killing of Barrister Omobolanle Raheem while waiting for the detailed report on the incident.
“The IGP noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer is in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force.
“The IGP further noted that the suspension is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference. The suspension is without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
“Meanwhile, the IGP has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the Rule of Law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter.
“He, therefore, appeals to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.”
Meanwhile, the Lagos State Police Command disclosed that they have concluded investigations over the unfortunate death of legal practitioner.
The State’s Police Spokesperson, SP Benjamin Hundeyin made this known, adding that the details of their findings will be sent to the IGP and then his recommendation forwarded to the Police Service Commission for a final verdict.
