By Latiifah Amusan
In a highly anticipated legal proceeding, the Lagos High Court is scheduled to deliver its judgment on Monday in the case of police officer Darambi Vandi, who stands accused of fatally shooting Lagos-based lawyer Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas Day.
The court, situated at Tafawa Balewa Square, established this judgment date following the finalization of written arguments by the involved parties on July 13.
Vandi, who was charged with murder on January 16, had pleaded not guilty.
The court granted an accelerated hearing for this case, which centers on allegations that Vandi shot Raheem in the chest on December 25, 2022, at Ajah Roundabout on the Lekki Expressway, violating Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The prosecution, led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, presented a formidable case, calling 11 witnesses, including eight police officers, two eyewitnesses, and a pathologist.
Among these witnesses was Inspector Matthew Ameh, who claimed to have worked alongside the defendant at the time of the alleged murder.
The prosecution officially concluded its case on February 25.
On February 28, the defendant, represented by Mr. Gbenro Gbadamosi, filed an application seeking the dismissal of the charges, contending that the prosecution’s evidence was inconsistent and failed to connect Vandi to the alleged crime.
However, on April 3, the court dismissed this “no-case submission.”
Justice Ibironke Harrison determined that the prosecution had presented sufficient oral and documentary evidence linking the defendant to the alleged crime, necessitating an explanation from Vandi.
Harrison emphasized that the defendant’s testimony could shed light on the events.
On May 31, the defendant provided his testimony and concluded his case.
His counsel affirmed that Vandi was the sole defense witness in this case.
After the parties adopted their written arguments on July 13, the court reserved its judgment, which is eagerly awaited and will be delivered on October 9.
This case has garnered significant public attention, with widespread social media coverage, highlighting the tragic loss of Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, a lawyer known for her accomplishments and contributions to the legal and real estate sectors.
Her untimely demise occurred on Christmas Day when she was shot by ASP Drambi Vandi while attempting a U-turn under the Ajah Bridge in Lagos.
Raheem, a Christian, had her birthdate on May 29 and was married to Gbenga Raheem, with whom she had children.
She received her secondary education at Holy Child College in Ikoyi, Lagos State, and furthered her studies at Olabisi Onabanjo University, Ago Iwoye, Ogun State, before attending the Nigerian Law School in Enugu State.
As a property lawyer and member of the Nigeria Bar Association, Lagos chapter, she achieved recognition for her work in real estate, coaching, and property development.
She served as the Chief Executive Officer of Croston Homes and was a co-founder of City Building, a real estate and property development company.
The tragic incident prompted condemnation from the police, with the officers involved in the shooting arrested and the case transferred to the State Criminal Investigation Department.
The Nigerian Bar Association vowed to ensure justice is served, pledging close monitoring of the case to guarantee that justice prevails.
