Inspector Drambi Vandi, the police officer responsible for the tragic killing of woman lawyer Bolanle Raheem in Lagos last year, has been sentenced to death by hanging. The verdict was delivered on Monday by Justice Ibironke Harrison, who found Vandi guilty on one count of murder, declaring, “You will be hanged by the neck till you are dead.”
The incident took place in the Lekki area of Lagos, where Vandi fatally shot Bolanle Raheem. Despite Vandi’s claims of innocence and assertions that the fatal bullet did not originate from his rifle, the court ruled in favor of the prosecution. Surprisingly, Vandi’s defense rested solely on his testimony, with no supporting witnesses to corroborate his claims.
Bolanle Raheem, who was pregnant at the time of her death, tragically lost her life on Christmas Day during a family outing. The court’s decision to impose the death penalty signifies a significant victory for justice and sends a strong message regarding the consequences of abuse of power within law enforcement.
The community and the family of Bolanle Raheem have welcomed the verdict, hoping that it will serve as a deterrent against similar incidents of police brutality.