- As trial of erring policeman begins
The Lagos State Police Command has arrested one Sergeant Samuel Phillips who pulled the trigger that killed a teenage girl in Ijeshatedo area of the state on Saturday, September 11, 2021.
The suspect, is currently undergoing orderly trial, a prelude to his dismissal and arraignment in court, the Police have said.
The deceased, 18-year-old Monsurat Ojuade, investigation revealed, scored 236 in the just concluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), and was with a high hope of securing admission into tertiary institution, when death struck through the sergeant and shattered her dream.
Meanwhile, according to the state command’s spokesman (PPRO), CSP Adekunle Ajisebutu, Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu paid a condolence visit to the bereaved family in their Ijeshtedo residence today, September 13, on behalf of Inspector-General of Police, Alkali Baba Usman, officers and men of the command, where he expressed his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family.
Accompanied by top members of the command’s management team and other senior police officers, the police boss expressed regret over the sad and unfortunate incident; he prayed for the repose of the late Monsurat’s soul, and also prayed that God grants the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the great loss.
He presented a letter of condolence to them, while reassuring them that justice would be served, more so that the culprit had been arrested and undergoing orderly room trial.
The PPRO had, in a press release preceding the CP’s visit, narrated how the ugly incident happened saying: “It has come to the knowledge of the Lagos State Police Command that one Monsurat Ojuade (female) aged 18, was hit by a stray bullet at about 0100hrs of 11th September, 2021, when a team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, went on investigation activities to effect arrest of a robbery suspect in Ijeshatedo area of the State.
According to the PPRO, concerted efforts were made to save Monsurat’s life by rushing her to the hospital for medical attention; but she did not make it to the convalescent home before she gave up the ghost.
He said CP Hakeem Odumosu, regreted the unfortunate but avoidable incident and sincerely commiserated with the bereaved family, in whose pain he shared in this moment of grief.
Speaking further in the release, Ajisebutu said: “This is, therefore, to inform the bereaved family, sympathizers and the general public that the erring police officer, who pulled the trigger, has been identified and is currently being detained”, adding that, “The Commissioner of Police has directed that the said police officer should be tried and charged to court immediately, after being dismissed from the Force. This, it is believed, will serve as deterrent to others who do not act professionally in the course of their duties”.
“This singular sad incident notwithstanding, the Lagos State Police Command shall continue to strive vigorously and conscientiously to protect the lives and property of the citizens in the state”, he assured.