Police dismiss officer who killed Kolade Johnson

Ogunyemi Olalekan, a police inspector involved in the killing of Kolade Johnson, has been dismissed from the force. 

Olalekan was found guilty after an orderly room trial that started on Monday.

A stray bullet had hit the deceased during a raid by the anti-cultism unit of the police command at Onipetesi, Lagos-Abeokuta road on Sunday.

Following a nationwide outrage, the police had identified Olalekan and Godwin Orji, a sergeant as suspects who carried out the shooting.

In a statement on Thursday, Bala Elkana, Lagos police spokesman, said only Olalekan was found guilty.

“The two Police Officers alleged to have been involved in the shooting of Kolade Johnson on 31/03/2019 were apprehended and subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings, known as Orderly Room Trial by the Command,” the statement read.

“The Orderly Room trial commenced on Monday 01/04/2019 and ended on Thursday 04/04/2019.

“They were tried on  three count charges: (1) Discreditable Conduct (2) Unlawful and Unnecessary Exercise of Authority and (3) Damage to Clothing or Other Articles contrary to Paragraph E (iii), Q (ii) and D (i) First Schedule, Police Act and Regulations, Cap 370 LFN 1990.

“The Trial started with the reading of charges and taking of plea.

“Five witnesses testified.

“At the conclusion of the trial, the first defaulter, Inspector Ogunyemi Olalekan was found guilty of Discreditable conduct by acting in a manner prejudicial to discipline and unbecoming of members of the Force by shooting and killing Kolade Johnson; Unlawful and Unnecessary exercise of authority by using unnecessary violence, by using AK 47 rifle on the deceased in total neglect to the provisions of Force Order 237 on the use of Firearms.

“The Adjudicating Officer, CSP Indyar Apev awarded the punishment of dismissal from service and prosecution to the First defaulter.

“There was no evidence linking the second defaulter, Sergeant Godwin Orji to the shooting, he was therefore found not guilty and discharged and acquitted.”

The police added that they had handed Olalekan over to the criminal investigation department for prosecution in a conventional court.