The grieving family of Eniafe Toheeb, who was shot dead by a Nigerian Police Force officer on May 1, 2024, in the Obalende area of Lagos State, has urged the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to expedite the investigation into his death.
The family is growing increasingly uncomfortable with the delays in the investigation.
Toheeb was allegedly shot by a fleeing police officer at the NNPC filling station at Obalende roundabout in Lagos, under the orders of another officer, Omeje Christian, who has since been apprehended and handed over to the police authorities.
While addressing the newsmen in Ikeja Lagos, the family rised alarm over the delay, asked the IGP to order thorough investigation to unmasked the officer that shot unarmed Toheeb.
Mr Eniafe Noheem decried the delayed on their petition to the Inspector General of Police over the ‘pace and manner’ of the investigation being conducted by men of Panti Police Station, Yaba over the incident.
He said there is no indication of progress in the investigation almost two months after the incident, saying the delay is making the action of police to ‘look like a cover up to protect one of their own.’
“The police authorities has not provide any vital information to the family of the deceased. We are asking for justice for the deceased. The deceased aged parent are pleading to all authorities, government, both local and international human rights organisations to come to our aid. “
Also, the Vice Chairman of National Union Of Road Transport Workers, Mr Wale Giwa who witnessed the incident recounted that, ” the incident occurred at about 8 p.m. on the sad day, Officer Omeje and his fleeing colleague had led two Toyota Hilux vehicles into the petrol station through the exit gate, thus blocking customers from leaving after their purchases.
“While one of the vehicles was attached to two armed mobile policemen, the other was.
The hindrance caused by the Hilux vehicles preventing motorists from exiting the filling station elicited an uproar from all present. Within the intervening period, Officer Omeje Christian and his unidentified colleague dashed away briefly, only to return on motorcycle with a loaded rifle hanging from the latter’s neck.
” Upon the order of officer Omeje Christian to shoot at any resistance, the unidentified policeman opened fire, and his shot hit Toheeb Eniafe who slumped and died, while another shot hit one of their Toyota Hilux vehicles, which burst into flames.
“Following the shooting, some good samaritans apprehended officer Omeje and handed him over to the police while attempting to flee, but his unidentified trigger-happy colleague had made it away by then. Other people scrambled to revive a lifeless Toheeb Eniafe just as petrol attendants mobilised to push the burning vehicle away from the premises to avert another disaster which may result in the burning of the petrol station.”
Giwa further explained that the officer were arguing with Tricycle operation who were on the cue at the filling station to buy fuel, noted that the deceased was just entering the fuel station before he was hit with stray bullet.
He also said the filling station has the camera which can aid the police investigation. He added that the deceased is a member of NURTW and also the unit auditor.
The sister of the deceased, Bakare Folashade Eniafe pleaded with the police authority to hasten investigation and brought perpetrator to book.
“We are by this medium appealing to you, sir, to use your good office to wade into this matter. We will not relent on our quest for justice in this case. We sihope that your office is willing and instrumental to the speedy prosecution of all those culpable in the death of the deceased.”
