The family of murdered pregnant lawyer Omobolanle Raheem, who was shot dead by Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi on Christmas Day in the Ajah neighbourhood of Lagos, are seeking compensation from the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) in the amount of N5 billion.
The NBA also said it would closely monitor the trial of Drambi to ensure that justice is done.
Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa (SAN), a human rights activist and NBA member from Lagos, has been chosen to head the monitoring team in order to achieve this.
The NBA announced on Thursday that it will employ the EndSARS Judicial Panel model to get Mrs. Raheem’s family compensation because it was well-known that a police officer had wrongfully ended her life.
“The NBA Lagos, in conjunction with the NBA President, Mr. Y.C. Mikyau, SAN, has decided to be part of the prosecution of the policeman as part of its efforts towards securing quick and effective justice for the family of the deceased,” the statement said.
“In this regard, the NBA will be partnering with the Ministry of Justice during the trial. Mr. Adegboruwa has in turn obtained relevant briefing from the Hon. Attorney-General of Lagos State and has secured the assurances of an accelerated prosecution once the case file is received from the police.
“The NBA is also seeking monetary compensation for the family of Mrs. Raheem from the government of Lagos State, the Federal Government, and indeed the Nigeria Police Force and the Police Service Commission, through its Human Rights Committee.
“The NBA will seek for payment of damages not less than five billion naira in addition to the prosecution of the killer cop,” the statement reads.