The Presidential candidate of Alliance for New Nigeria, Fela Durotoye has condemned the alleged killing of Kolade Johnson by men of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS).
Kolade was alleged to have been shot by a member of a police team, while he was watching a Premier League fixture between Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur in Lagos on Sunday.
Johnson’s death has since sparked widespread criticism, with a renewed call on the Federal Government to end the Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad (F-SARS) unit of the police.
Speaking on the development, the Lagos Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Bala Elkana, in a statement said suspects have been arrested and investigation begun into the matter.
Durotoye, reacting in a series of tweet on his Twitter page, highlighted what President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration needed to do to seek justice for Kolade.
He wrote: “My heart and Prayers go out to the Johnson family on the tragic passing of their son, brother, husband and father, Kolade Johnson, whose life was prematurely taken by operatives of Special Anti Cultism Squad (SACS) while watching a football match.
“This is one more needless and tragic death and another reason why we must once & for all End police brutality.
“I believe the primary responsibility of govt is to protect the lives & property of every citizen and our leaders must hold dear that sacred responsibility by holding to account any law enforcement agent who through abuse of power and excessive use of force leads to the loss of life.
“The government must accept responsibility for this tragedy and take quick action to set up a credible investigation that leads to a QUICK conclusion and restitution to ensure justice is served.
“No one can understand the pain that the family and friends of Kolade Johnson are going through at this time, I pray that God’s comfort soothes their hearts & May His soul rest in perfect peace.
“As Nigerians we all deserve to be safe & secure wherever we live, work and play and our government must take convincing & conclusive steps to reassure us that every Nigerian live matters & needless loss of lives would not happen in the future.
“I recommend that at the very least, government should send a high powered delegation to the Johnson family to commiserate with them & feel their pain … The government should cover funeral expenses & support his family with a monthly stipend & scholarship
“Our government should show care to the family, take care of the family and take action to ensure that this doesn’t happen to anyone else.”
