#EndSARS: Family Of Deceased Inspector Petitions IGP, Demands N400 Million Compensation

Family of Ayodeji Bankole Erinfolami, the policeman who was allegedly shot dead during the #EndSARS protest has petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu, asking for a probe into the cause of his death and also pay N400 million compensation.

The deceased police officer was shot dead on October 12, 2020, by one of his colleagues while trying to disperse protesters at the Area C police command in the Surulere area of Lagos.

Another Nigerian identified as Okechukwu Iloamuazor, who got caught up in traffic was also killed by a stray bullet when he went out of his driver’s seat to ease himself that same day.

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The deceased Inspector, who was from Ekiti State, left behind a 38-year-old wife, a 10-year-old son, two sons of his late nephew, aged 13 and 7, a 77-year-old father and a 72-year-old mother.

The family, through their lawyer, Jiti Ogunye, described the extrajudicial killing of Ayodeji as unwarranted and an act of murder by the police.

Ogunye accused the police authorities of issuing a false and cruel statement, claiming Erinfolami and Iloamuazor were killed by irate protesters who invaded and attacked the said Area C police command.

He stated that Erinfolami's right to dignity enshrined under Section 34 of the said Constitution, was also violated, even if it was for a fleeting moment.

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"Based on the foregoing premises, we hereby demand as follows:

"That an investigation be conducted into the unlawful killing of Inspector Ayodeji Bankole Erinfolami by the said police officers, leading to their prosecution for murder, and punishment under the law.

"That the sum of Four Hundred Million Naira ( #.400 million) exemplary damages (compensation)  be paid to the dependents (family)  of Inspector Ayodeji Bankole Erinfolami for his unlawful killing, forthwith, and not later than thirty ( 30) days of the delivery of this petition, to assuage the irreparable loss.

"That an official delegation from the NPF should visit the family of Inspector Ayodeji Bankole Erinfolami to condole with, and officially break the news of his death to them.

"This is not a mere symbolism or ritual. For the parents of the Deceased, aged people, who, in spite of our torn social fabric and broken value system, hold dear still the virtues and ideals of showing empathy to the crushed in spirit and the grieving who have suffered loss of human lives, the demanded condolence visit is therapeutic. It could serve as a humane gesture to heal their wound.  

"That the NPF should undertake the funeral and the funeral expenses of Inspector Ayodeji Bankole Erinfolami. 

"TAKE NOTICE that should the Nigeria Police Force, the Police Service Commission and your good self, jointly and severally refuse, fail or neglect to accede to the demands of our client, herein made, we shall not hesitate to initiate the requisite legal action to seek redress.

"We shall be grateful if you could use your good offices to promptly commence an investigation into the extrajudicial killing of the Deceased, and help actualize our demands listed above."