Police dismiss officer who ‘killed’ 18-year-old girl in Lagos

The police command in Lagos says Samuel Philipps, a sergeant, who allegedly shot dead Monsurat Ojuade, 18-year-old girl, during a raid has been dismissed from the force.

TheCable had reported that the 18-year-old was shot on the night of September 10 at Mogaji Street, Ijesha, Surulere, during a raid by operatives of the state criminal investigation and intelligence department.

The deceased was said to have been taken to Randle Hospital in Surulere, and later referred to Igbobi Orthopedic Hospital, and to another hospital where she died.

The police had claimed that the deceased was hit by a stray bullet but the family said the girl was shot at close range.

On September 13, Hakeem Odumosu, Lagos commissioner of police, visited the family of the deceased, and promised them that justice would be served.

Giving an update on the incident, Adekunle Ajisebutu, Lagos police spokesperson, in a statement on Friday, said orderly room trial has been concluded and that the sergeant will be arraigned soon.

“This is to inform the general public that Sgt Samuel Philipps who was tried for the shooting incident of 11th September, 2021 that led to the death of Monsurat Ojuade has been dismissed from the Nigeria Police Force,” the statement reads.

“He was dismissed after the conclusion of his orderly room trial. The suspect will be charged to court today for murder.

“Recall that the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Hakeem Odumosu, had promised that the matter would be properly investigated and that justice would be served. This action is, therefore, done in fulfillment of that promise.

“The commissioner of police further sympathises with the bereaved family, and reiterates his earlier promise that justice would be done in this case.”