A Lagos State High Court has sentenced Nigerian policeman, ASP Drambi Vandi, to death by hanging for killing Barrister Bolanle Raheem.
Drambi Vandi, who had pleaded not guilty to the murder charges was convicted on Monday, October 9, 2023, by the court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.
The tragic incident occurred on December 25, 2022, when Raheem Bolanle was allegedly shot dead by Officer Vandi in the Ajah area of Lagos.
The victim was returning home from a Christmas outing with her family when the horrifying shooting transpired.
This Christmas Day killing drew condemnation from diverse segments of society, including the political elite.
The state government had preferred a one count of murder of the lawyer against the defendant and subsequently arraigned him.
Since the court trial started in January, the deceased’s husband, sister, police armourer, pathologist and seven others have testified against the defendant.
The prosecution tendered 27 exhibits.
Mr Vandi was the only witness who testified in his own defence.
In his testimony before the court, Mr Vandi told the judge that the bullet presented in court, which was said to have killed the deceased, did not come from the rifle he carried on the day of the incident.
He also claimed that he had never seen the bullet until it was tendered in court.