The last rites of the funeral ceremony of Samuel Ademola Aderinto Abe, who was shot in Lagos during the last anti fuel subsidy protest, began on Wednesday.

The last funeral rites of Samuel Ademola Aderinto Abe, who was shot in Lagos during the last anti fuel subsidy protest, was concluded on Wednesday.

The ceremony, organized by the Ifako-Ijaiye local government area, began on Monday with an ‘Artiste Day.’

A candle light procession was held on Tuesday evening.

At about 8 a.m on Wednesday, the remains of the deceased was removed from the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital mortuary where it had been deposited since the incident.

The white casket lay in state at Aderinto Street, at the house where Mr. Abe lived with a friend prior to his demise, for about 30 minutes before it was taken to Abeokuta Street, the place he was shot, where an interdenominational service was held.

“Our friends, we want you to know the truth about those who have died, so that you will not be sad, as those who have no hope,” read the officiating minister.

‘A hero’

While unveiling a bust to immortalize Mr. Abe, 27, who was shot by Segun Fabunmi, the Divisional Police Officer of Pen Cinema, Agege, on January 9; Oloruntoba Oke, the Ifako Ijaiye council chairman, said the deceased “will not die in vain.”

“His killer will be brought to book. Immediately after today, just keep watching events as they unfold,” said Mr. Oke.

“The man who killed him, the man who caused us this agony will be brought to justice and everybody in Nigeria will know that no more will police brutality be allowed,” he added.

The first day of the funeral service was almost marred by youth uprising after a team of armed police officers stormed the venue of the ceremony.

A senior police officer said that they learnt that some youths wanted to take advantage of the programme to foment trouble.

“We actually informed the police that we will be doing this today and I told them if you want to come; just keep a safe distance,” Mr. Oke continued.

“God is our protector. Ifako Ijaiye youths are not violent, they are not criminals.”

Call for justice

The youths in the local council were unanimous in their call for the killer cop to be “speedily” brought to book.

While presenting a petition from the youths to the member representing Ifako Ijaiye at the Lagos State House of Assembly; the youth leader, Mr. Olajide, said the case should not be swept under the carpet.

“The entire youths of this community have decided to write to the Honourable Ikuforiji that we want justice to prevail,” Mr. Olajide said.

“We cannot easily go to the House of Assembly but we have a representative here, Honourable Dayo Saka Fafunmi, who have been in support since the day of the incident,” Mr. Olajide added.

While receiving the petition, Mr. Fafunmi thanked the youths for demonstrating a high level of understanding and maturity throughout the incident.

“I want to appreciate these youths because you have decided to listen to us and you have followed the legitimate path and that is why you can see that you are getting the support,” said Mr. Fafunmi, representing Ifako Ijaiye 1.

“I am going to assure you one thing, that this petition that is being given to me will be forwarded to the House, I will ensure that this petition is given to the Honourable Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, and with my endorsement and that of the council chairman you can rest assured that you will secure justice,” he added.

Some of the youths lauded the local government for immortalizing Mr. Abe.

“They tried but we are expecting more than this. We are expecting more things to happen,” said  Blessing Ebisike, a friend to the deceased.

Clement Kelvin, who witnessed the shooting, called for a speedy justice.

The day it happened… I was fortunate, the guy that was shot was in my front, so I was fortunate not to get shot as well that day,” recalled Mr. Kelvin.

“We want the government to bring the person to justice so we can have peace. We are citizens and we have the right to live,” said Mr. Kelvin.

After the interdenominational service at Abeokuta Street, Yaya Obatan in Ogba; the remains of Mr. Abe was moved to Atan Cemetery, Yaba, for interment.

Mr. Fabunmi is still in the custody of the police at the State Criminal Investigation Department, Panti, according to Mr. Oke.

“Though we grieve at the loss, there is nothing we can do…

“But this is one case we will not allow to be swept under the carpet,” Mr. Oke added.

Premium Times recently published a story on the police’s reluctance to bring Mr. Fabunmi to book. Read our story on the murder of Mr. Aderinto here. 

The January fuel subsidy protests left several deaths in its wake while several other protesters were seriously injured.