A Lagos High Court has sentenced a Nigerian police officer, Drambi Vandi, to death by hanging for the fatal shooting of Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem.
The tragic incident occurred on Christmas Day 2022 at the Ajah roundabout in Lagos State. Raheem, an expectant mother, was shot and killed while on her way to church with her family.
Vandi, who was attached to the Ajiwe police division in Ajah, was suspended from duty two days after the incident.
The state government subsequently filed a one-count charge of murder against him.
The deceased’s husband, sister, police armourer, pathologist, and seven other people testified against Vandi in the trial that started in January of this year.
Vandi, being the sole witness in his own defense, argued that the bullet presented in court, purportedly responsible for Raheem’s death, did not originate 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.
Judge Ibironke Harrison delivered the verdict on Monday, finding Vandi guilty of murder. “The court found the defendant guilty on one count of murder. You will be hanged by the neck till you are dead,” Judge Harrison ruled.
