A Lagos State High Court has sentenced a dismissed police inspector, Paul Joseph, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering a civilian while on patrol duty.
Justice Sherifat Sonaike, who delivered the judgment at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) court, ruled that Joseph was responsible for the unlawful killing of Moshood Ademola Ismali, whom he shot in the head on March 28, 2019, in Aguda, Lagos.
The judge found that the prosecution had proven its case beyond a reasonable doubt, citing Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, which criminalizes murder.
Fatal Patrol Ends in Death
On the night of the incident, Joseph was leading a police patrol in Aguda when Ismali was shot. The prosecution established that Joseph was in the vicinity at the time of the fatal shooting and that his actions directly led to the victim’s death.
Although Joseph denied pulling the trigger, the court determined that he was the only officer linked to the crime, as no other members of his patrol team came forward to testify.
“The defendant admitted to patrolling the area on the day of the incident and acknowledged that someone had died from a gunshot. His behaviour, along with other evidence, confirmed his guilt,” Justice Sonaike ruled.
She pointed out that the nature of the wound—a gunshot to the head—clearly indicated an intent to kill or cause grievous harm.
Key Testimonies and Missing Witnesses
The prosecution’s case relied heavily on testimony from the victim’s brother, Kudus Ibrahim, who was not present at the scene but was called after the incident.
While this testimony was deemed credible, the judge lamented the absence of other officers who were on duty with Joseph, suggesting their silence was an attempt to protect a colleague.
“The fact that other officers refused to testify raises serious concerns about accountability within the force,” Justice Sonaike remarked.
She further criticized their absence, calling for disciplinary actions against them. “Such officers have no business being paid with taxpayers’ money,” she added.
Trial Delays and Defence Arguments
The trial, which began on May 25, 2022, faced several setbacks due to difficulties in locating witnesses. Despite these challenges, the court allowed the prosecution to record additional statements from the defendant in May 2024, overruling objections from the defence.
Joseph’s lawyer, B.O. Abdusalam, pleaded for leniency, emphasizing that his client was a first-time offender and had made efforts to reform while in detention, completing four courses and earning certifications.
However, the court held that the gravity of the crime could not be overlooked.
Justice Sonaike Delivers Final Verdict
After weighing all the evidence, Justice Sonaike declared that Joseph’s actions warranted the ultimate penalty.
“The use of a live weapon and the fatal wound inflicted leave no doubt that the defendant caused the death,” she stated.
Consequently, the court sentenced Joseph to death by hanging, reaffirming that justice must prevail to deter similar misconduct within the police force.
Police Impunity Under Scrutiny
The case has sparked fresh concerns over police brutality and extrajudicial killings in Nigeria. While the judiciary has taken a strong stance in this instance, activists argue that systemic reforms are needed to prevent further abuses.
Observers have also called for a review of the Lagos State Police Command’s disciplinary measures, emphasizing that the refusal of other officers to testify reflects a deeper problem within the force.
