TheCable

Pauline Tallen, minister of women affairs, says a stricter penalty should be given to the police officer who shot dead Bolanle Raheem, a female lawyer, in Lagos.

In a statement issued on Monday, Tallen described the incident as “unfortunate,” adding that it is a crime against humanity.

TheCable had reported that a police officer attached to Ajiwe station in the Ajah area of Lagos shot at a vehicle conveying a female lawyer and her family on Christmas Day.

The minister condemned the act of the police officer, describing it as a crime against humanity.

“It is still unbelievable that a police officer who is supposed to be protecting lives has turned out to be a murderer,” she said.

“How do we explain how an ASP attached to Ajiwe police station, Ajah, Lagos state pull a trigger at a vehicle with women and children resulting in the death of a female lawyer Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, on Christmas day?

“As the federal ministry of women affairs, we are still in shock and strongly condemn this dastardly act. We view it as a crime against humanity in all its ramifications. Nigerian women demand justice as a crime against one woman is a crime against all.

“Though, we are glad that the IGP has condemned this unfortunate incident. However, we demand stiffer penalties as deterrent measures to forestall any such occurrence in the future.”

She commiserated with the family of the deceased, adding that it is a great loss to the legal profession and Nigerian women.

“While we are monitoring with keen interest the next line of action, we sympathize with the family of our sister at this time. This is indeed a great loss not only to her family and the legal profession but Nigerian women. May her soul rest in peace,” she added.