Policeman shoots truck driver dead

A truck driver named Gafar Braimoh was killed by a bullet fired by a police officer Tuesday night in Ajiwe, in the Shago Tedo area of Ajah, Lagos.

There were various accounts of how the tragedy unfolded. According to one version, late Braimoh was killed for refusing to give money to a patrol team of policemen.

One of the cops was said to have threatened to shoot, and in his attempt to cock his rifle, a bullet was accidentally released and struck Braimoh, who was inside the truck, killing him instantly.

According to another version, the patrol team raided people selling fuel in jerricans in front of Ajiwe filling station.

Attempts by the police team to impound the fuel of one of the black marketers met stiff resistance, as his colleagues clustered around the police team. 

One of the policemen reportedly fired into the air to disperse youths, who attempted to attack the police team, to make way for their colleague’s escape.

The deceased’s brother, Muyideen, who spoke to Vanguard, said his family was told that “Policemen wanted to arrest those that were selling fuel by the roadside and they started shooting because they refused to allow them to impound their fuel.

“Unfortunately, my brother, who was coming out of SkyMall was hit by a stray bullet.”

 Father of the deceased, Mr Mustapher Braimoh, who was yet to come to terms with the reality of the tragedy, narrated in an emotionally laden voice how news of his son’s death reached him.

According to the bereaved father, “I was at home last night (Tuesday night) when a group of young men rushed in to inform me that my son, Gafar, had been shot by the police.

“As I speak to you, we are at the Ajiwe Police  Station.  The Police said they are investigating the incident.”

CP Alabi orders arrest, detention of erring cop

Meanwhile, the policeman that fired the shot that snuffed the life out of the 31-year-old truck driver has been arrested. His identity could, however, not be ascertained at press time.

But it was gathered that he is an Inspector. His arrest was effected on the directive of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Police Command, CP Abiodun Alabi.

Confirming his arrest, the Command’s spokesman, SP Benjamin Hudenyin, said: “At about 11.30 pm of Tuesday, December 6, 2022,  a shooting incident involving men of Ajah Division, resulted in the unfortunate death of Gafaru  Buraimoh of Happy Land Estate, Ajah.

“The officer behind the shooting, an Inspector of Police, was immediately disarmed and has been detained as a full-scale investigation has commenced.

“The Lagos State Police Command through the Area Commander, Elemoro and Divisional Police Officer, Ajah, has since notified and established contact with the family.

“The command, while commiserating with the family of the deceased over the avoidable and most unfortunate incident, gives assurances that the already commenced investigation into the immediate and remote circumstances leading to the shooting will be brought to a speedy and conclusive end, while equally ensuring that justice will be served.”

Culled from Vanguard