Former Police Inspector Sentenced to Death for Murder
Justice Sherifat Sonaike of the Lagos State High Court, sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), has sentenced a dismissed police inspector, Paul Joseph, to death by hanging for the murder of Moshood Ademola Ismali. The court found Joseph guilty of shooting Ismali in the head during a patrol in Aguda on March 28, 2019, an act that was deemed a violation of Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Delivering her judgement, Justice Sonaike stated that the prosecution successfully proved the case of murder through its final written address and additional submissions. The primary witness for the prosecution, Kudus Ibrahim—who is also the brother of the deceased—confirmed Ismali’s death but was not present at the scene of the incident. Instead, he was called to the location after the shooting had taken place.
The trial, which commenced on May 25, 2022, faced several delays due to difficulties in locating key witnesses. It eventually concluded on October 19, 2023. Despite Joseph’s denial of firing the fatal shot, the court noted that evidence presented linked him to the crime. His role as the patrol team leader on duty during the incident further implicated him. On May 15, 2024, the court granted the prosecution’s request to obtain additional statements from the defendant, despite objections from the defence.
Justice Sonaike expressed concern over the absence of other officers from the patrol team who failed to testify, stating that their eyewitness accounts could have been crucial to the case. She criticised their silence, suggesting it was a deliberate effort to protect a colleague involved in an unlawful act.
“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 declared.
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She further highlighted that the manner in which the fatal shot was fired indicated a clear intent to kill or cause grievous harm. “The use of a live weapon and the fatal wound inflicted leave no doubt that the defendant caused the death,” she stated.
In addition to sentencing Joseph to death, the judge called for accountability within the police force, urging authorities to take disciplinary action against officers who refused to testify. “Such officers have no business being paid with taxpayers’ money,” she said.
During the trial, defence counsel B.O. Abdusalam pleaded for leniency, arguing that Joseph was a first-time offender who had shown signs of reform while in custody, having completed four courses and obtained certifications. However, the judge remained resolute in her ruling, emphasizing the importance of justice and the need to deter similar misconduct within the police force.
The case underscores ongoing concerns about police accountability and the judicial system’s role in addressing misconduct within law enforcement agencies.
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