The Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island sentenced a suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, to death by hanging on Monday for the murder of a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem.
Justice Ibironke Harrison sentenced Vandi after finding him guilty of the murder of the pregnant lawyer. Harrison held that the prosecution was able to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt.
The judge also held that the convict shot the deceased at close range.
The killing of Raheem sparked outrage and protests across Nigeria, with many calling for justice to be served. Vandi was suspended from the police force shortly after the incident, and he was arrested and charged with murder.
During his trial, Vandi pleaded not guilty to the charge of murder. He claimed that he accidentally shot Raheem while trying to apprehend another motorist. However, the prosecution presented several witnesses who testified that Vandi shot Raheem deliberately and at close range.
In her sentencing, Justice Harrison said that Vandi’s crime was “unpardonable” and that he deserved to die for it. She also said that Vandi’s actions had brought shame to the Nigerian police force and that he needed to be punished severely to deter others from committing similar crimes.
Vandi’s conviction and sentencing is a welcome development for the family of Raheem and for all Nigerians who are outraged by police brutality in the country. It is a reminder that no one is above the law, and that even police officers will be held accountable for their actions.
It is also important to note that Vandi has the right to appeal his conviction. However, if his conviction is upheld, it will send a strong message that police brutality will not be tolerated in Nigeria.
