Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Drambi Vandi, alleged killer of a Lagos-based lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem on Monday pleaded not guilty to a one count of murder preferred against him by Lagos State.
The defendant, ASP Vandi an officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah is standing trial on a one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 against the defendant.
Vandi however pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The State Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, informed the court that there is a witness in court and the state is ready to commence trial.
The defense counsel, Adetokunbo Odutola who did not oppose the application prayed for accelerated hearing.
Thereafter, a police inspector, Inspector Mathew Ameh was invited to the witness box.
In his testimony, Inspector Ameh, informed the court that his team 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, an Assistant Superintendent attached to the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State, allegedly shot Raheem while she was returning from an outing with her family members.
He was arrested and appeared 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.
