Femi Gbajabiamila Admits His Security Aide Killed A Newspaper Vendor, Suspends Officer

The Speaker of the House of Representative, Femi Gbajabiamila has confirmed that one of his security aides killed a newspaper vendor at the Federal Secretariat, Abuja.

KanyiDaily had earlier reported how the newspapers vendor identified as Ifeanyi Okereke was shot in the head by Gbajabiamila’s security aide on Thursday, just a few hours after his wife gave birth to a baby that same day.

Reacting in a series of tweets on Friday morning. Gbajabiamila explained that Okereke was hit by a stray bullet meant to disperse a crowd when he went to greet newspaper vendors while leaving the National Assembly.

The Speaker who expressed distraught about the incident, said he did not know that someone was killed in the attempt to protect him until he arrived his destination.

While sending his condolences to the family of the deceased, the Speaker said the officer in question, who fired the shot, had been suspended from the convoy pending the conclusion of the investigation.

“A horrible incident has taken place. This evening as I left the national assembly, I stopped as usual to exchange pleasantries with the newspaper vendors at the corner. Many of them have known me since I first moved to Abuja and it was a friendly exchange.

“Unfortunately, after the convoy set out in continuation of movement, unidentified men obstructed the convoy which got the attention of security men in the convoy who shot into the air to disperse them.

“Some hours later, after getting to our destination, it was brought to my attention that someone was hit by a stray bullet, contrary to an earlier report by men in the convoy that they applied their security discretion to shoot in the air.

“I have caused a report to be made to the local police station and an investigation has commenced.

“In the meantime; the officer who fired the fatal shot has been suspended from the convoy pending the conclusion of the investigation.”

“My value for human life and my respect for all people – irrespective of social-economic status – is what endeared me to these vendors and these are the reasons why I stop my convoy quite often to connect with them.

“For one of them to have been shot by my security detail is horrific and I cannot begin to imagine the grief and loss Ifeanyi’s family must feel on this sad day. No family should have to go through this.

“I am personally distraught about this incident and my deepest sympathies go to the victim, his family, and Abuja vendors.”

KanyiDaily had also reported how vice president, Yemi Osinbajo‘s security details were accused of manhandling a pphotojournalist during a summit organized by the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.