Buhari vows to prosecute killers of Kolade Johnson

President Muhammadu Buhari has promised to prosecute the killers of Kolade Johnson, a football fan, who was a victim of the March 31 fatal shooting in Lagos.

The president also regretted the action of the special anti-robbery squad (SARS) operatives from the state police command, which he described as unfortunate and avoidable.

Johnson was a victim of a stray bullet when SARS officers tried to disperse a crowd during an operation to arrest another man they suspected was a criminal because of his dreadlocks.

The deceased was watching a Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in Lagos on Sunday when he met his untimely death.

The incident had sparked a nationwide outrage, with the police authorities promising Nigerians that the killers would be brought to book.

In a statement issued on Wednesday by Femi Adesina, presidential spokesman, Buhari reassured the public that any law enforcement agency caught violating the law will be made to “face the full weight of the law.”

“President Muhammadu Buhari regrets the recent unfortunate action of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) operatives from the Lagos State Police Command, which led to the avoidable death of Mr. Kolade Johnson, and commiserates deeply with the family of the deceased,” the statement read.

“The President acknowledges the genuine outrage regarding the activities of SARS and reassures the public that swift actions have already been taken. Suspects are in custody and an orderly room trial is set to commence immediately, following which indicted officers will be prosecuted in court.

“Any officer of the law enforcement agencies or any other government functionary caught in this act will certainly be visited with the full weight of the law.”

“Recall that following directives from the Presidency in 2018 to overhaul the management and activities of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad, steps were taken by the Police leadership to restructure and reform SARS.

“The President recognizes that a lot more remains to be done and this effort must be sustained.”

“He reassures that this administration will continue to ensure that all officers in the police and other law enforcement agencies conduct their operations in strict adherence to the rule of law and with due regard to International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law.”