The Lagos State Government on Monday arraigned an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Drambi Vandi, who allegedly shot and killed a lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem on December 25, 2022, before a state High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square for murder.
Vandi was docked before Justice Ibironke Harrison on a one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The arraignment which was scheduled for 9 am was initially delayed by the absence of the defence counsel in court.
Justice Harrison was however forced to stand the matter down to allow the lawyer, Adetokunbo Odutola, to get to court.
During the proceedings, the State Attorney General, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), who led the prosecution team, called its first witness, police inspector, Mathew Ameh.
In his testimony, Ameh told the court that his team, which includes the defendant, were deployed to Ajah, Under Bridge, where they were conducting stop-and-search operation.
He narrated to the court that his team tried to stop the deceased’s car, which was an unregistered vehicle but the driver didn’t stop and the defendant fired at the car.
After he listened to the witness, Justice Harrison granted an order of accelerated hearing and adjourned cross-examination of the witness and further trial to January 25 and 26, 2023.