The trial of Drambi Vandi, a police officer accused of shooting and killing Lagos-based lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day, reached an important milestone on Wednesday. Vandi closed his defence before the Lagos High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square, denying any involvement in the crime.
The defendant, who faces a count charge of murder over the incident, reportedly told the court that he had never seen the bullet presented in court as evidence of the alleged murder weapon. He insisted that the ammunition used in the shooting did not match any in his rifle on the day of the incident.
Vandi revealed that he attended a local training school where he learned about arms and ammunition, adding that the police undergo firearms training every five months to keep them up-to-date. The defendant’s counsel requested the court produce exhibit P11(a), a bullet and magazine containing six bullets which is exhibit P19.
The witness further stated that a portion of P19 was a shell of an assorted rifle used in an AK-47 rifle, noting that the exhibit was used in a long-range bullet with a range of over 500 meters that could easily penetrate multiple objects.
During cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, Vandi stated that he was on duty at Ajah underbridge on December 25, 2022, armed with a rifle containing 25 rounds of ammunition. He added that he wasn’t the only officer armed that day and that he had booked the weapon from an armourer.
Following the evidence presented in court, Justice Ibironke Harrison requested the prosecution and defense teams to exchange their written addresses. The case was subsequently adjourned until July 13 for adoption of final written addresses.
The defendant expressed regret for the unfortunate incident and extended his condolences to the family of the deceased.
It is hoped that justice will be served through the judicial process as the nation continues to grapple with the issue of police brutality.
