Lekki robbery: Mortuary demands N100,000 before releasing the remains of 15-year-old girl killed by stray bullet

The relatives of 15-year-old Sarah Ibikunle, who was killed during the Thursday robbery in the Lekki area of Lagos while hawking fish, say her corpse has yet to be released by the state government hospital in Yaba.
The deceased’s family said the management of the Yaba mortuary had requested N100,000 as fees for embalming her remains.

Our correspondent had reported that Ibikunle was hit by stray bullets fired by the bandits, who also killed three policemen during a robbery attack on a branch of First City Monument Bank Limited on Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1.

It was also reported that the basic three pupil of Itedo Primary School had planned to study law before her ambition was dashed by the robbers, who stormed the bank through waterways in the area, shooting indiscriminately for about 30 minutes.

Speaking with PUNCH Metro on the telephone on Sunday, Ibikunle’s aunt, Omolafe, said she hoped the state government would intervene and save the family from unnecessary hassles in the family’s bid to bury its member.

She said, “We have been told to come back on Monday (today). I wish they will release her remains and let us bury her. We have no way of raising the N100,000 they are requesting, unless they want to add to our sorrow. The money cannot bring our loved Sarah back to us. The government should come to our aid.”

Meanwhile, the Lagos State police spokesperson, DSP Kenneth Nwosu, said the police would pay all the entitlements of the cops that died in the incident to their families.