A disturbing incident unfolded on September 23, 2026, at a naming ceremony in Orile Iganmu, Lagos, when police officers fired shots, injuring an 11-year-old girl, Mistura Murtala, and an elderly man, Sodiq Aremu. The event occurred at about 8 pm on Ekunjinmi/Wewe Street, with eyewitnesses reporting that the police attempted to stop the gathering, leading to a confrontation. The police officers' actions have sparked widespread outrage and calls for accountability.
The Movement for the Transformation of Nigeria (MOTION), Apapa Coordinating Structure, has demanded an immediate, transparent, and independent investigation into the shooting. According to the group, the police officers' actions were unjustified, and the incident has raised serious concerns about the use of force by law enforcement agencies. MOTION Apapa has been in touch with the victims' families and is monitoring their medical treatment.
Mistura Murtala, the 11-year-old girl, was shot in the leg and is currently receiving emergency medical treatment at Olukayode Hospital, Orile Iganmu. Sodiq Aremu, the elderly man, was shot in the neck and is undergoing treatment, with an estimated medical cost of ₦500,000. The group has identified a police officer known as "Kola" as being involved in the incident and has called for his actions to be thoroughly investigated.
MOTION Apapa has raised several questions about the incident, including why police officers were called to the gathering, what specific offense or disturbance they were responding to, and who discharged the firearm. The group has also demanded to know what official report was made concerning the firearm discharge and the injuries sustained by the victims.
The group has expressed concern about the use of force by the police, particularly in a populated residential environment. They argue that the shooting of an 11-year-old child and an elderly man raises serious questions about the exercise of police powers and the protection of human rights. MOTION Apapa has cited Section 33 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, which protects the right to life, and Section 34, which protects the dignity of the human person.
A traditional community leader, the Baale, has allegedly told the girl's parents that the injury was caused by tear gas rather than a firearm. However, MOTION Apapa has stated that this claim needs to be verified against medical and other available evidence. The group has warned that no individual should interfere with or distort evidence related to the incident.
MOTION Apapa has called for a thorough investigation into the incident, including the identification of all police officers involved, the preservation of evidence, and full medical support for the victims. The group has also demanded accountability in accordance with the law if the investigation establishes misconduct or unlawful conduct.
Key points
- The police shooting incident has sparked outrage and calls for an independent investigation.
- The victims, an 11-year-old girl and an elderly man, are currently undergoing medical treatment.
- The rights group has demanded accountability and transparency in the investigation into the incident.
