0
0
LAGOS—The family of Toheeb Eniafe, who was shot dead by a Nigeria Police Force officer on May 1, 2024, in the Obalende area of Lagos State, has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to expedite the investigation into their son’s death, as the family is no longer comfortable with the unnecessary delay.
Toheeb was allegedly shot by a fleeing police officer at the NNPC filling station premises located at Obalende roundabout in Lagos, on the orders of Officer Omeje Christian, who was apprehended and handed over to the police authority.
Speaking to newsmen in Ikeja, Lagos, at the weekend, the family, represented by Mr. Noheem Eniafe, expressed concern over the delay in the investigation, calling on the IGP to order a thorough investigation to identify the officer who shot Toheeb.
Noheem said that there has been no progress in the investigation almost two months after the incident, stating that the delay makes it seem like a cover-up to protect one of their own.
He added that the police authorities have not provided any vital information to the family of the deceased.
“We are asking for justice for our son,” Noheem said. “The deceased’s aged parents are appealing to all authorities, government, and local and international human rights organizations to come to our aid.”
Also, Mr. Wale Giwa, Vice Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers, who witnessed the incident, recounted: “On that fateful day around 8 p.m., Officer Christian and his fleeing colleague led two Toyota Hilux vehicles into the petrol station through the exit gate, blocking customers from leaving after their purchases.
One of the vehicles was attached to two armed mobile policemen, while the other was not. The obstruction caused by the Hilux vehicles prevented motorists from exiting the filling station, eliciting an uproar from those present.”
Giwa continued: “Within that period, Officer Christian and his unidentified colleague briefly fled and then returned on a motorcycle with a loaded rifle hanging from his neck.
Upon Christian’s order to shoot at any resistance, his unidentified colleague opened fire, striking Toheeb, who slumped and died. Another shot hit one of their Toyota Hilux vehicles, which burst into flames.”
Giwa added: “After the shooting, some good Samaritans apprehended Officer Christian as he attempted to flee and handed him over to the police.
However, his unidentified trigger-happy colleague had escaped by then.
Other people scrambled to revive Toheeb as petrol attendants mobilized to push away the burning vehicle from the premises to prevent another disaster from occurring.”
