Lagos State High Court has delivered justice today by sentencing Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Drambi Vandi to death for the murder of Barrister Bolanle Raheem. The ruling, issued by Judge Ibironke Harrison on Monday, October 9, 2023, brings closure to a high-profile case that has captured the nation’s attention.
The case, which has been closely followed by the public, saw the State Government persistently pursue a single count of murder against the defendant, ASP Drambi Vandi, who maintained his innocence throughout the proceedings. The trial featured a parade of witnesses, including the deceased’s husband, her sister, a police armorer, a pathologist, and seven others who testified before the court.
The prosecution’s case was further fortified by the presentation of 27 exhibits, painting a compelling narrative of guilt. In stark contrast, ASP Vandi chose to stand as the sole witness in his defense, vehemently refuting the allegations leveled against him.
In his defense, Vandi claimed to have never seen the murder weapon, a bullet, until it was presented in court. He continued to deny any involvement in the tragic incident, despite the testimonies of numerous witnesses.
However, in a resolute decision, Judge Harrison declared Vandi guilty of murder, delivering a stern verdict: “The court found the defendant guilty on one count of murder. You will be hanged by the neck until you are dead.”
Background
The incident in question took place on Sunday, December 25, 2022, when Bolanle Raheem, a pregnant lawyer, was returning home with her family on Christmas Day. Tragically, an officer attached to Ajiwe police station in Ajah, Lagos, shot and killed her in a shocking turn of events.
The incident immediately ignited widespread criticism, with the Lagos police command detaining an assistant superintendent of police (ASP) and two other officers implicated in the shooting. This event served as a painful reminder of the challenges surrounding police brutality and misconduct in Nigeria, especially in the aftermath of the EndSARS protests of October 2020
