Lagos State High Court has sentenced a suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Drambi Vandi, to death by hanging for killing a 41-year-old pregnant lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem.
Vandi, who was attached to the Lagos State Police Command, shot Mrs. Raheem, eventually killing her.
The court determined that Vandi’s actions were not premeditated, but nonetheless ruled that he must face the consequences for taking another person’s life.
Vandi had been charged with manslaughter following the death of a 41-year-old pregnant lawyer on December 25, 2022.
Vandi shot and killed the lawyer, Mrs. Raheem, at the Ajah under-bridge checkpoint in Lagos State.
Vandi was manning the checkpoint when the incident occurred.
The incident sparked outrage on social media and led to Vandi’s suspension from the police force pending the outcome of the trial.
The convict was initially charged with murder, but the court found him guilty of manslaughter.
During the trial, the prosecution called 11 witnesses including eight police officers and tendered 27 exhibits in evidence, while the convict solely testified in his defense.
The defendant however pleaded not guilty to the one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The court cited Vandi’s lack of prior intent and provocation as mitigating factors in it’s decision.