The Lagos State High Court has sentenced Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, to death by hanging having been found guilty of killing a Nigerian lawyer, Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas day in Lagos.
Penpushing reports that the judge, Justice Ibironke Harrison on Monday handed over the death sentence on the police officer who was attached to the Ajiwe police division in the Ajah area of the state before the crime
The Lagos State Government it is recalled had preferred a one count of murder of the lawyer against the defendant and subsequently arraigned him, and since commencement of the trial in January the deceased’s husband, sister, police armourer, pathologist and seven others have testified against the defendant.
Penpushing further reports that the Deputy Superintendent of Police who murdered the expectant mother was the only witness who testified in his own defence, while the prosecution tendered 27 exhibits.
The convict who committed the crime at Ajah roundabout in Lagos in his testimony before the court, said the bullet presented in court, which was said to have killed the deceased, did not come from the rifle he carried on the day of the incident, adding that he had never seen the bullet until it was tendered in court.
Penpushing also reports that it is recalled that two days after the incident the then Inspector General of Police Usman Alkali Baba recommended the immediate suspension of the police officer, adding that the suspension became necessary while waiting for the detailed report on the incident
The statement added that the Inspector General of Police noted that the recommendation for the suspension of the officer was in line with the internal disciplinary processes of the Force, noting that it is also expected to create an enabling environment for necessary legal procedures to uphold justice in the case without interference.
Penpushing reports that the statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi explained that the suspension was without prejudice to the constitutional presumption of innocence in favour of the officer.
The statement added that the police boss has reaffirmed the commitment of the Force to the rule of law and assured the public of his administration’s commitment to ensuring that justice is not just done but seen to have been manifestly done in the matter.
Penpushing further reports that the statement in same vein, then appealed to the public to be calm as all hands are on deck to ensure justice prevails while measures have been put in place to prevent future occurrences.
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