Kolade Johnson killing: Police to dismiss, prosecute officer for murder

The Police Command in Lagos state says it has recommended the dismissal of the police officer, Insp. Ogunyemi Olalekan who allegedly shot dead a youth, Kolade Johnson. The spokesman of the command, DSP Bala Elkana, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos adding that the officer would also be prosecuted for suspected murder. Elkana […]

The Police Command in Lagos state says it has recommended the dismissal of the police officer, Insp. Ogunyemi Olalekan who allegedly shot dead a youth, Kolade Johnson.

The spokesman of the command, DSP Bala Elkana, said this in a statement on Thursday in Lagos adding that the officer would also be prosecuted for suspected murder.

Elkana said the recommendation was based on the report of the Orderly Room Trial, which commenced on Monday and ended on Thursday.

“Two police officers alleged to have been involved in the shooting of Kolade Johnson on March 31, were apprehended and subjected to internal disciplinary proceedings, known as Orderly Room Trial by the Command.

”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.

”Their trial started with the reading of charges and taking of plea. Five witnesses testified. At the conclusion of the trial, the first defaulter, Insp. 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 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, Sgt. Godwin Orji to the shooting, he was therefore found not guilty and discharged and acquitted.

”The first defaulter, Insp. Ogunyemi Olalekan is handed over to Criminal Investigation Department, Panti for prosecution in conventional court,” Elkana said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that some residents of Mangoro/Onipetesi community in Lagos went on a rampage blocking the Oshodi/Abeokuta expressway in protest against the killing of a youth last Sunday by policemen.

The state Commissioner of Police Mr Zubairu Muazu, and his management team paid a condolence visit to the family of the deceased on Tuesday where he assured them that justice will be done on the case. (NAN)