Bolanle Raheem: Accused killer cop denies murder charge

The alleged killer of a Lagos- based lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Drambi Vandi, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a one count charge of murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government. Daily Trust reports that Barrister Bolanle Raheem was allegedly shot dead on Christmas day by the accused at […]

The alleged killer of a Lagos- based lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Drambi Vandi, on Monday, pleaded not guilty to a one count charge of murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.

Daily Trust reports that Barrister Bolanle Raheem was allegedly shot dead on Christmas day by the accused at Ajah. The deceased was returning home from a Christmas outing with her family when the shooting incident occurred.

As at the time of the unfortunate incident, the defendant, ASP Vandi, was attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah.

He is currently standing trial on a one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Vandi, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge and the trial Judge gave an order of accelerated hearing.

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During the proceeding, the State Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, informed the court that there is a witness in court and that the state was ready to commence trial, while the defense counsel, Adetokunbo Odutola did not oppose the application, but prayed for accelerated hearing.

Thereafter, a police inspector, Inspector Mathew Ameh, was invited to the witness box.

He told the court that his teams, including the defendant, were deployed to Ajah under bridge where they were conducting a stop and search.

He told the court that his team tried to stop the deceased car which is an unregistered vehicle but the driver didn’t stop and Supol Vandi fired at the car.

Justice Ibironke Harrison gave an order of accelerated hearing while adjourning till January 25 & 26 for cross examination and continuation of trial.

Vandi was arrested and arraigned before Chief Magistrate C.A. Adedayo on December 30, 2022, a day after the Police Service Commission (PSC) approved his suspension. 

The Magistrate ordered that he be remanded at the Ikoyi custodial facility pending advice of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions.