Lagos CP visits family of slain 18-year-old girl, identifies ‘erring officer’

Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos commissioner of police, has visited the family of Monsurat Ojuade, an 18-year-old girl who was killed during a raid by police operatives at Ijesha axis of the state.

TheCable had reported that the 18-year-old was shot on Friday night, following a police raid in the area.

Tosin Ojuade, the deceased’s sister, had alleged that one of the officers tried to force the gate open from the outside and fired shots into the compound.

The victim was said to have been taken to Randle Hospital in Surulere, where she was briefly treated and referred to Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital.

A resident said the late Ojuade was not attended to at Igbobi hospital because those around said they were on strike, adding that the girl died when she was taken to another hospital

The police, in a statement on Sunday, claimed that the deceased was hit by a stray bullet, adding that the “erring police officer” had been detained and arrested.

But the family had insisted that Ojuade was shot at close range.

On Monday, Odumosu visited the deceased’s family to commiserate with them, and revealed the name of the detained officer as Samuel Phillips, a sergeant.

The police commissioner also presented a letter of condolence from Usman Baba, inspector-general of police, to the family.

“Accompanied by top members of the Lagos state police command’s management team and other senior police officers, the commissioner of police expressed, on behalf of the inspector-general of police, Alkali Baba Usman, psc(+), fdc, NPM; officers and men of the Command, his heartfelt condolence to the bereaved family,” a statement by the Lagos police command reads.

“While expressing regret over the unfortunate incident, the CP prayed for the repose of Monsurat’s soul, and also prayed that God grants the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the great loss.

“Presenting a letter of condolence to the family, the commissioner of police also reassured them that justice would be served, disclosing that the culprit, Sgt. Samuel Phillips, had been arrested, and was currently undergoing an orderly room trial.”