‘Unfortunate but avoidable’ — Lagos CP promises justice for 18-year-old girl killed during raid

The Lagos police command says the officer involved in the shooting of Monsurat Ojuade, an 18-year-old girl, has been detained and will be prosecuted “immediately”.

Monsurat was killed on Friday night during a raid by police officers in Ijesha area, Surulere, Lagos.

A resident, who preferred not to be named, said the deceased was taken to a private hospital in the area, but was not attended to because doctors were not around.

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

The resident added that Monsurat was not attended to at Igbobi hospital, because those around said they were on strike, adding that victim died after she was taken to another hospital.

Confirming the incident in a statement on Sunday, the police said the officer involved had been identified and is currently being detained.

The officer’s name was, however, not given.

“It has come to the knowledge of the Lagos State Police Command that one Monsurat Ojuade (female), aged 18, was hit by a stray bullet at about 0100hrs of 11th September, 2021 when a team of detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, went on investigation activities to effect arrest of a robbery suspect in Ijeshatedo area of the State,” the statement reads.

“Concerted efforts were made to save the life of the injured victim. She was immediately taken to the hospital for urgent medical attention but later died on the way to the hospital.

“The Commissioner of Police, CP Hakeem Odumosu, regrets this unfortunate but avoidable incident and sincerely commiserates with the bereaved family in whose pain he shares in this moment of grief.

“This is therefore to inform the bereaved family, sympathisers and the general public that the erring Police officer who pulled the trigger has been identified and is currently being detained.

“The Commissioner of Police has directed that the said police officer should be tried and charged to court immediately after being dismissed from the Force. This, it is believed, will serve as deterrent to others who do not act professionally in the course of their duties.

“This singular sad incident notwithstanding, the Lagos State Police Command SHALL continue to strive vigorously and conscientiously to protect the lives and property of the citizens in the State.”