The Police in Lagos State has finally dismissed Sergeant Collins Idom, who allegedly shot and killed a 20-year-old undergraduate of a polytechnic in Edo State, identified as Joseph Eidonojie-Ugbeni.
According to the Punch, the police officer, who has served for 14 years in the Police Force before his dismissal on Monday, had before now been arraigned before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrate’s Court for murder along with three suspected cult members.
Idom, an officer of the Special Anti Robbery Squad, SARS, allegedly shot and killed an undergraduate of a polytechnic in Edo State, Joseph Eidonojie-Ugbeni while chasing a notorious suspected Internet fraudster, identified as Badoo at the Ogoja Market, LASU-Igando Road, Lagos State.
Eidonojie-Ugbeni was said to have gone out with his cousin, who he came to visit, to buy canned drinks when he was killed.
The SARS officers reportedly put the corpse of the deceased inside the boot of the Internet fraudster’s car and drove off.
According to Joseph’s cousin, Friday Ojah, the SARS operatives accused the victim of being a cult member who has attempted to shoot at them when they fired back.
The police called off further investigation after Idom, who was identified by witnesses, confessed to the crime.
The Chief Magistrate, A.O. Awogboro, ordered his remand in prison pending legal advice from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions and adjourned the matter till November 10.
Father of the deceased, Patrick Eidonojie-Ugbeni, while speaking at the boy’s burial which took place the same day the SARS officer was arraigned, called for a speedy trial of the killer cop, noting that only justice would heal the wound.
Patrick said, “The Lagos Commissioner of Police gave me N500,000 for the burial of my son and for that, I am grateful.
“The Officer-in-Charge of SARS also gave us some money. But we need speedy judgement. They should not cover up the case, because that will only increase our hurt.”
However, the family lawyer, Saidi Sanni, said the family would demand N500m as damages from the police.
According to Sanni, “We will institute an action at the Federal High Court to enforce the deceased’s rights.
“We will be suing the Inspector-General of Police for N500m damages. The boy could have grown up to become somebody of repute in the society, so his life is invaluable.”
On her part, the state Police Public Relations Officer, PPRO, SP Dolapo Badmos said, “As a command, we have respect for human rights.
“We will not tolerate a situation where a police officer will use his position to torment any member of the public.
“The Inspector-General of Police has ordered that any policeman involved in extra-judicial killing should face the consequence.”
Comments