The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), has described the right to life as being a God given right to every human, which must be respected by all.
Maikyau made this known on Monday in his tribute to a late member of the NBA, Lagos State branch, Omobolanle Raheem.
Recall that the late Raheem was reportedly shot dead by a police officer on December 25, 2022, while on Christmas outing with her family.
Meanwhile, the Police Officer, Drambi Vandi, was also on Monday arraigned before a Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos on charges of murder.
Following the demise of Raheem, the Lagos branch of the NBA had also scheduled Monday as a day of tributes in her honour.
The NBA President said: “It is rather unfortunate and regrettable that the right to life has become one of the most abused rights in Nigeria today.
“Daily, we are confronted with the mindless killings of innocent citizens on the one hand, by the various non-state actors operating in different parts of the country.
“Armed robbers, unknown gunmen, bandits, herdsmen, militants, etc, and then, on the other hand, we have law enforcement agents who have the sworn duty to protect lives and property, contributing to the loss of countless lives.
“And so, it happened that on December 25, 2022, Raheem became one of the victims of extra-judicial killing by the police.”
According to Maikyau, Raheem’s death is one death too many, adding: “She is just but one of the many Nigerians who have lost their lives at the hands of those who swore to protect them.
“While we commend our security agencies for their efforts in discharging their constitutional mandates, we cannot afford to be silent over their excesses.
“We must take action to stop the occurrence of this very ugly and frightening incidents, and it is my hope that her death will be the catalyst for the change we need.
“I am therefore restating the unequivocal commitment of the NBA to ensure that what happened to Raheem, does not happen to another citizen of this country again.
“The sudden demise of our beloved colleague is a stark reminder to us of the fleetingness of life.
“Therefore, as we mourn today, I enjoin us to also reflect on our own lives; let us contemplate our mortality, our sincerity and our eternity, knowing that life on earth is transient.”
Maikyau thanked President Muhammadu Buhari, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, Inspector General of Police, Attorney General of the Federation, and all stakeholders who joined in ensuring that justice would be served.
He commiserated with the family of the late Raheem, and prayed to God to grant them sufficient fortitude to bear the loss.
