Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila, has formally handed over to the Department of State Security (DSS), the escort in his convoy who allegedly shot a newspaper vendor dead in Abuja.
Igbere TV had on Thursday reported how a security operative attached to the speaker’s convoy allegedly opened fire and shot dead an unarmed man, Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke.
Confirming the incident late night, Gbajabiamila said his convoy made a stop-over to exchange pleasantries with newspaper vendors as it was his usual practice at the close of work every day.
He said some “unidentified men” made attempt to obstruct his convoy when it set out to continue the journey, which made the escort shoot into the air to disperse them, with no death recorded.
According to Gbajabiamila, he later learned [after arriving his destination] that “someone” (the newspaper vendor) was hit by a stray bullet from the shooting by his escort.
In another statement forwarded to Igbere TV Friday afternoon, Gbajabiamila confirmed the security agent had been handed over to the DSS for investigation.
“I have handed over the security operative, Abdullahi M. Hassan, to the Department of State Security (DSS) for investigation and appropriate administrative and judicial action.”
The speaker further revealed that the security operative has been suspended from the convoy, in the interim.
“The unfortunate death of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke at the hands of one of my security aides has left me deeply shaken.
“Mr. Okereke was a citizen going about his business, trying to make a living for himself and his family. There is no reason for his life to have ended the way it did,” he said.
Pledging to support the deceased family and promising justice for the deceased, the Reps speaker revealed he was meeting with the family.
“I expect, and I will see to it that the family of Mr Ifeanyi Okereke receives the full measure of justice so that their bereavement is not compounded by any actions that can cause them further pain and suffering.
“I have expressed my personal condolence to his family and have arranged to meet with them when the parents of Mr. Okereke, who are already on their way arrive in Abuja.
“Additionally, I have committed to them that I will support his wife and the immediate family he has left behind.”
While commiserating with the family of Mr. Ifeanyi Okereke, Gbajabiamila asked all Nigerians to “join me at this time to pray for the peaceful repose of his soul.”
