Human rights lawyer Femi Falana has petitioned the Commissioner of Police, Ogun State Command, calling for an investigation into the death of activist and secretary of the Joint Action Front (JAF), Abiodun Aremu, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Ota, Ogun State.
In the petition dated October 15 and addressed to the Commissioner of Police at Elewe Eran, Abeokuta, Mr Falana urged the command to ensure that the driver responsible for the crash is identified and prosecuted.
Mr Aremu was hit by a speeding vehicle near his residence in Ota on Sunday, October 12.
The driver fled the scene immediately after the incident, leaving the victim critically injured.
Aremu was rushed to a nearby hospital by good Samaritans but was later confirmed dead.
Falana urged the police to charge the driver with overspeeding, negligence and manslaughter.
“We are compelled to request you to use your good offices to cause an investigation into the tragic death of Comrade Aremu with a view to fishing out the driver and prosecuting him for overspeeding, negligence, and manslaughter,” the petition read in part.
The senior advocate also pledged his law firm’s collaboration with the Ogun State Police Command to ensure a thorough investigation.
Falana called for prompt action, stressing that justice must be served for Aremu’s family and associates and to discourage reckless driving on Nigerian roads.
Aremu, 65, was the secretary of JAF, a coalition of pro-labour and civil society groups.
Following his death, his burial was shifted to October 23 to allow the labour movement to honour him.
Former secretary-general of the Organisation of African Trade Union Unity, Owei Lakemfa, said the new date would allow for proper mobilisation and attendance.
