By Jimmy
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Island Branch, has expressed satisfaction over the verdict passed on the killer of one of its members, Bolanle Raheem.
Recall that Bolanle Raheem, a lawyer, was killed on December 25, 2022, under questionable circumstances in the Ajah area of Lagos State while coming from a church service with her husband.
After almost a year of legal battles, the culprit, Assistant Superintendent of Police Drambi Vandi has finally been sentenced to die by hanging. The judge, Ibironke Harrison, pronounced the verdict on Monday, October 9, 2023, finding Vandi guilty of the heinous crime.
SEE: Bolanle Raheem: Court rules on murder of late lawyer
Bolanle Raheem, who was pregnant at the time, was said to be returning from church when she was shot and killed by the officer attached to Ajiwe Police Station, later identified as ASP Vandi.
Ruling on the matter, which attracted national attention when it occurred in 2022, Justice Ibironke Harrison of a Lagos High Court on Monday found the police officer, Darambi Vandi, guilty on a one-count charge of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging for shooting and killing the Lagos-based lawyer at the Ajah underbridge checkpoint on December 25, 2022.
The judge pronounced: “The court finds the defendant guilty on one count of murder. You will be hanged by the neck till you are dead.”
Reacting to the judgment, the Lagos Island NBA branch, where the late Bolanla belonged before her death, said they were glad they made a major contribution to getting justice for one of their own.
The branch chairman, Mr. Olabisi Makanjuola, told The Punch in an interview, “We are happy to have seen the case through to a conclusion and hope that the family and friends of our beloved colleague can now have some form of closure, even though we know that this will not bring Bolanle back to life.
“We see the judgment as a step in the right direction as it sends a strong message that security agents can no longer get away with abuse of office.
“We hope this will serve as a strong deterrent to would-be future offenders. Also, we hope that the speed with which this matter was determined will be accorded other matters, whether civil or criminal.”
READ: Israel-Hamas Conflict: What are motives and impact of attack?
Meanwhile, Vandi’s counsel, Adetokunbo Odutola, said he would know the next step to take when he reads the judgment.
He said, “I don’t have any regrets taking up this case. The spirit of the Lord directed me, and I know it didn’t direct me wrongly.”
