Suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, who allegedly killed a Lagos-based female lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem pleaded not guilty on Monday at the commencement of his trial.
The suspended Police officer was arraigned on one count of murder before the Lagos State High Court, Tafawa Balewa Square annex, on a one count of murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
After the charge sheet was read to him, Vandi pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
The defendant, ASP Vandi an officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah is now standing trial on a one-count charge contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Raheem was allegedly shot dead by Vandi in the Ajah area of Lagos on December 25 while returning from Christmas Day church service.
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 Matthew Ameh in his testimony, 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 and 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.