by Ogunyemi Bukola

A Police Inspector attached to the Elere Police Division in Lagos State has been arrested for allegedly killing a man with his official rifle.

The Commissioner of Police in Lagos State, Umar Manko, made this known in Lagos when he met with the newly-elected officers of the Crime Reporters Association of Nigeria (CRAN) on Friday.

Relaying the incident, the police commissioner said the suspect allegedly went for a distress call, but later committed the crime under unprofessional circumstances.

“We are not interested in what led to the distress call. But we are interested in the fact that a life was lost in the incident,” he said. “The Inspector acted unprofessionally. He has spent 28 years in the Force, so he should have been more careful.

“Right now, he has been arrested and transferred to the State CID, Panti for investigation. He will be prosecuted for murder.’’

Restating his readiness to expose and deal with any police officer found wanting in the discharge of his duties, Manko emphasised the need for a level playing field for the police and journalists reporting crime to interact and exchange views as partners in the fight against crime.

 “Let us be objective in our reportage. Let us build on the good relationship we share,” he said. “If I do anything wrong and you publish it, I have no problem with that. But I will not be happy about outright falsehood.”

He congratulated the new CRAN officers, assuring them of his support and willingness to continue to partner with the association.