Bolanle Raheem: Court sentenced police officer Darambi Vandi to death by hanging

A suspended ASP, Drambi Vandi, who was charged with shooting dead a Lagos-based lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem, last Christmas day, has been sentenced to death by hanging.

Justice Ibironke Harrison sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square annex division of the Lagos state High Court said his defence that he didn't shoot the deceased has no leg to stand on.

He was found guilty on the strength of the witnesses of the prosecution, who gave 'overwhelming evidence that the loud gunshot ave the judgment date on July 13 after the adoption of final written addresses by counsel in the case.

Mr. Vandi was arraigned on Jan. 16 2023, on a count charge of murder but he pleaded not guilty.

The court granted an accelerated hearing on the case.

The Lagos State Government alleged that the defendant, an Assistant Superintendent of Police who has now been suspended from the Force, shot Mrs Raheem in the chest on Dec. 25, 2022, at Ajah Roundabout, on Lekki- Expressway, Lagos State.

The crime contravenes Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The Prosecution team led by a former attorney general and Commissioner for Justice,  Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), called a total of 11 witnesses including eight police officers.

The prosecution closed its case on Feb. 25.

On Feb. 28, the defendant through his counsel, Gbenro Gbadamosi, filed an application, praying the court to quash the charge against him.

On April 3, the court, however,  dismissed the no-case submission.

Justice Harrison held that the prosecution established sufficient oral and documentary evidence linking the defendant to the alleged crime, which required an explanation from him.