Yoruba Nation: Sanwo-Olu orders probe into 14-year-old death during rally

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State has ordered an investigation into the death of a 14-year-old drink seller, Jumoke Oyeleke, during the Yoruba Nation rally held in the state on Saturday.

WuzupNigeria reported that Jumoke was allegedly killed by a stray bullet fired by the Lagos State Police Command while trying to disperse agitators.

Jumoke’s stomach was ripped apart with a bullet and was found in the pool of her blood, but the police have since dismissed the claims, adding that they have nothing to do with the teenager’s death.

However, in a statement released by the Attorney-General/Honourable Commissioner for Justice of Lagos, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) on Saturday, the governor called for a thorough investigation into Jumoke’s death.

The statement read: “Our attention has been drawn to the death of a 14-year-old girl in Ojota during the Oodua Republic Mega Rally on Saturday, 3rd of July, 2021.

“We commiserate with the family of the deceased. The Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered a thorough investigation of the death. A Coroner’s Inquest has immediately been requested in line with section 14 and 15 of the Coroners’ Systems Law, Laws of Lagos State 2015, to determine the cause and circumstances of death.

“By Section 14(1) (d) of the Coroners’ System Law of the State: “A report of death shall be made to any of the agencies for the report of death or the office of the Coroner and be subject to post-mortem examination where there is reasonable cause to believe that the cause of death was: violent, unnatural or suspicious.”

“Section 15(1) and (9) further enjoins the Coroner to hold an inquest whenever he or she is informed that the death of the deceased person was in a violent, unnatural or suspicious situation or believes an inquest is desirable following the report of a reportable death.

“As a government, the security and wellbeing of citizens are of utmost importance to us. The State assures the public that everything will be done to ensure that the cause of death is known. The findings of this investigation will be made public in due course and appropriate sanctions meted out to anyone found culpable.”