The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has demanded at least N5 billion in compensation for the murder of one of its members, Bolanle Raheem.
The seven-month-old expectant mother was allegedly killed by ASP Drambi Vandi on Christmas Day right in front of her husband and other family members.
Vandi, who had since been arrested and suspended by the Nigeria Police Force, was attached to the Ajiwe police division, Ajah, Lagos state.
While the investigation into the killing is still ongoing, the Lagos branch of the NBA said it would press for N5billion compensation while also monitoring the trial.
The NBA, in a statement by the branch chairman, Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa, said, “The NBA will seek for payment of damages not less than five billion naira in addition to the prosecution of the killer Cop.”
According to the statement, “The NBA Lagos in conjunction with the President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Y.C. Mikyau, has decided to be part of the prosecution of the policeman as part of its efforts towards securing quick and effective justice for the family of the deceased”.
“In this regard, the NBA will be partnering with the Ministry of Justice during the trial. Adegboruwa has in turn obtained relevant briefing from the Hon Attorney-General of Lagos State and has secured the assurances of an accelerated prosecution once the case file is received from the police.”
“The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government and indeed the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee”.
Adegboruwa, a former member of the Lagos Judicial Panel of Inquiry, also urged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to “follow the model that he (Sanwo-Olu) adopted during the EndSARS Judicial Panel to immediately pay compensation to the family of the deceased since it is an established fact that her life was terminated illegally by a policeman.”
