President Muhammadu Buhari has expressed his deep regrets to the senseless shooting and killing of one Kolade Johnson by the Anti-cultism unit of the Lagos State Police Command while he was seeing a football game, as he pledges further reform of the Special Anti Robbery Squad known as SARS.
President Muhammadu Buhari in his statement released a few minutes ago via his twitter handle, said:
“The recent unfortunate action of SARS operatives from the Lagos State Police Command, which led to the avoidable death of Mr Kolade Johnson, is deeply regretted. Once again, our condolences to the family of the deceased. I’m aware the Police authorities have visited them.”
On SARS he said:
“I acknowledge the genuine outrage from citizens and Civil Society groups regarding the activities of SARS. As you’re aware, the Suspects in the Kolade Johnson killing are in custody. When the orderly room trial is concluded, indicted officers will be prosecuted in court.”
“While important steps have been taken by the Police leadership to restructure and reform SARS, in line with presidential directives, more needs to be done. I assure this will be done. We will continue to work to ensure that we have a Police Force that adheres to the rule of law.”
According to reports, a stray bullet from policemen attached to the Anti-Cultism unit on Sunday night allegedly killed Kolade at Olu Aboderin Street in Onipetesi, Lagos.
It was gathered that the victim Kolade was seeing the English Premiership League game between Liverpool and Tottenham when the bullet hit him. He died before getting to the General Hospital Ikeja.
An eyewitness said the policemen had stormed the area to arrest a young man having dreadlocks on suspicion he was a cultist.
After picking up their suspect, they started shooting sporadically but one of the bullets allegedly hit Kolade and died later.
The Lagos Commissioner of Police CP Zubairu Muazu revealed the names of those behind the shooting as Insp Ogunyemi Olalekan and Sgt Godwin Orji.