Suspended ASP Drambi Vandi was found guilty of murdering Lagos-based lawyer Mrs Omobolanle Raheem and sentenced to death by hanging by the Lagos State High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square annexe, Igbosere, Lagos Island.
Based on the evidence presented, Justice Ibironke Harrison found that the Lagos State Government had established guilt beyond a reasonable doubt.
“The court finds the defendant guilty on one count of murder. You will be hanged by the neck till you are dead,” the judge held.
You may recall that a pregnant 41-year-old lawyer was shot and killed at the Ajah underbridge checkpoint on December 25, 2022. Vandi was arraigned on January 16 by the Lagos State Government.
Murder in violation of Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 was the sole charge against the convicted officer.
After hearing the parties’ closing arguments and addresses on July 14, Justice Ibironke Harrison set a date for judgement.
On June 20, 2023, defence counsel told the court that the defendant had filed his last written address, and on July 12, 2023, prosecution filed its written response, along with a rebuttal on points of law.
The defence attorney used the entire written address as his argument, citing each paragraph as justification for why the defendant should be discharged.
Mr Egwu contended that the prosecution’s case relied too much on hearsay and circumstantial evidence to convict the prisoner.
In its closing written speech and reply on questions of law, the prosecution urged the court to reject the defense’s arguments. He continued by saying that the defense’s contradiction concerns are not fatal and cannot lead to a miscarriage of justice.
“The ballistician’s evidence in court did not exonerate the defendant and never mentioned that the bullet did not emanate from the gun of the defendant.”
“The ballistician mentioned during his testimony in court that the bullet was so damaged and shattered, making it difficult for identification.”
“The testimonies by PW6 and PW7 respectively directly testified against the defendant, directing the court’s attention to the IPO’s- (PW7) testimony, to the effect that the sister and husband of the deceased held on to the defendant after the shooting, and the fact that he was seen taking cover under the staircase of the hospital without his uniform and wearing mufti.”
“PW6 testified that the defendant asked him for one ammunition after the incident.”
The prosecution contended that the defendant’s decision to fire the ammunition was a premeditated act intended to cause the death of the victim.
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