ASP Vandi concludes testimony, court sets July date for final addresses in Omobolanle Raheem killing
Drambi Vandi, the suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) accused of killing Lagos-based lawyer Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, wrapped up his defence on Wednesday before the Lagos State High Court at Tafawa Balewa Square.
Vandi closed his case after providing his testimony as the sole defence witness in the trial.
The defendant had been charged by the Lagos State government with murder under Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
During the latest court session, Vandi informed the judge that he had never come across the bullet his counsel had requested. He clarified that it was different from the ammunition originally in his rifle on December 25th, 2023.
He described attending a local training school where he received instruction on Arms and Ammunition. Vandi emphasized that he and other police officers undergo comprehensive training every five months to refresh their knowledge of rifles.
Drambi revealed that the training school taught him about various types of rifles, pistols, and ammunition used by police officers. He was also trained in the assembly and disassembly of police arms and ammunition.
When asked about the requested bullet and magazine containing six bullets, Vandi explained to the court that the P19 round is used in AK-47 rifles and is capable of long-range shots. He clarified that this bullet covers a distance of over 500 meters, capable of penetrating multiple objects or individuals in its path.
READ ALSO: Trial Update: ASP Vandi testifies, rejects responsibility for Bolanle Raheem’s death
Vandi stated, “If you line up 10 people, this particular bullet will go through all of them. When it is fired at close range, it will not remain inside the person’s body or any object. It must pass through at least four objects. However, this is not the ammunition in my rifle on December 25th, 2023. The rifle is automatic. When you use this bullet, you must cock the rifle, and anyone nearby will hear the noise. After firing, the shell falls to the ground on the right side of the person who fired it and remains at the point of fire. The noise is very loud when fired. I have never come across this exhibit before, even throughout my training, and it’s not the type of ammunition used by the police.”
He further mentioned, “I was disarmed by the DPO at Budo hospital. I received 25 rounds of ammunition from the armorer, which I signed for. The same ammunition was inside the magazine, and it was disarmed. When I was disarmed, the ammunition was not counted in my presence at Budo hospital.”
During cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, Vandi stated that on December 25th, 2022, he was on duty at Ajah Underbridge with a rifle containing 25 rounds of ammunition, which he obtained from the armorer and signed for.
He also informed the court that he was not the only officer armed on that particular day. “I resumed duty in the morning, but I don’t recall the exact time. I was with Inspector Ameh and Inspector Ibimene. I was not the only one armed; Ibimene was also armed. However, I was the last man on guard, standing about 100 meters away from where the affected vehicle was parked.”
“I accompanied the driver and the deceased in the involved vehicle to the hospital, but not all of us were in the vehicle. Titilayo was not in the vehicle. I was partially dressed, wearing civilian clothes when I was arrested at Budo hospital. I was taken to the police station, where I provided my statement.”
“All of us were detained, and we wrote our statements at Ajah and Panti. None of us was released before we were transferred to Panti.
“I wish the deceased were alive, and I deeply regret her death. May her soul rest in peace,” he concluded.
After listening to the testimony, Justice Harrison instructed the counsels to exchange their written addresses and be prepared for adoption in 21 days.
She adjourned the case until July 13th, 2023, for the adoption of final written addresses.
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