A yet-to-be named police officer attached to the security team of the speaker of the House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has been suspended for shooting a newspaper vendor.
Information emerged late night of Thursday of the mishap, which the speaker in a statement later described as horrible and a possible accident, which is already under investigation by the relevant agency.
“A horrible incident has taken place. This evening as I left the national assembly, I stopped as usual to exchange pleasantries with the newspaper vendors at the corner. Many of them have known me since I first moved to Abuja and it was a friendly exchange.
“Unfortunately, after the convoy set out in continuation of movement, unidentified men obstructed the convoy which got the attention of security men in the convoy who shot into the air to disperse them.
“Some hours later, after getting to our destination, it was brought to my attention that someone was hit by a stray bullet, contrary to an earlier report by men in the convoy that they applied their security discretion to shoot in the air.
I have caused a report to be made to the local police station and an investigation has commenced.
“My value for human life and my respect for all people – irrespective of socioeconomic status – is what endeared me to these vendors and these are the reasons why I stop my convoy quite often to connect with them.
For one of them to have been shot by my security detail is horrific and I cannot begin to imagine the grief and loss Ifeanyi’s family must feel on this sad day. No family should have to go through this,” the statement he personally signed read in part.
Meanwhile, the security aide who shot and killed the newspaper vendor has been named as one Abdullahi M. Hassan, of the Department of State Services (DSS).
In an update statement on the development, the speaker said: “The unfortunate death of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke (the vendor) at the hands of one of my security aides has left me deeply shaken.
Mr. Okereke was a citizen going about his business, trying to make a living for himself and his family. There is no reason for his life to have ended the way it did.
“This morning, I handed over the security operative, for investigation and appropriate administrative and judicial action. In the interim, he has been suspended from the convoy.
“I expect, and I will see to it that the family of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke receives the full measure of justice so that their bereavement is not compounded by any actions that can cause them further pain and suffering.
I have expressed my personal condolence to his family and have arranged to meet with them when the parents of Mr. Okereke, who are already on their way, arrive in Abuja.
“Additionally, I have committed to them that I will support his wife and the immediate family he has left behind.
I commiserate with the family of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke and ask all Nigerians to join me at this time to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
