Bolanle Raheem: Lagos High Court sentences policeman to death for murder
Bolanle Raheem: Lagos High Court sentences policeman to death for murder
A police officer, Drambi Vandi, has been sentenced to death by hanging by Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos High Court for shooting Lagos-based lawyer Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas Day.
Mr. Vandi was arraigned on January 16, 2023, for the murder of Ms. Raheem and pleaded not guilty to the charge brought against him.
Indeed, the trial was expedited.
On December 25, 2022, at Ajah Roundabout on the Lekki Expressway in Lagos State, the Lagos State government accused Mr. Vandi of shooting Ms. Raheem in the chest, which is a violation of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, Section 223.
The prosecution’s team, led by attorney-general Moyosore Onigbanjo, presented 11 witnesses to the court, including eight police officers, as well as two eyewitnesses and a pathologist.
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Among those who testified was Insp Matthew Ameh, who worked with the defendant at the time of the killing.
However, on April 3, the court dismissed Mr. Vandi’s no-case submission, which was filed on February 28, claiming that the inconsistencies in the testimony of the prosecution witnesses were adequate grounds to quash the charges.
Justice Ibironke Harrison stated that the prosecution had provided enough oral and written facts connecting the defendant to the alleged offence, which necessitated a response from Mr. Vandi, and that the defendant’s testimony would help to clarify what occurred.
On May 31, the accused gave his testimony in defence of himself and then closed his case.
His defence counsel confirmed to the court that Mr. Vandi was the only witness they would present.
On July 13, both sides filed their written arguments, and the court reserved judgment until October 9.
NAN