In a solemn verdict handed down at the Lagos High Court, located at the iconic Tafawa Balewa Square on Lagos Island, a grave chapter in the legal proceedings surrounding the murder of Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, reached its climax on Monday. The suspended Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, found himself condemned to the harshest of penalties – death by hanging.

Justice Ibironke Harrison, presiding over the case, pronounced this severe sentence upon Vandi, decisively ruling in favor of the prosecution’s case. The gravity of the situation was underscored as Harrison proclaimed that the prosecution had successfully demonstrated its case “beyond reasonable doubt.” This stark judgment leaves no room for ambiguity.

The pivotal moment in the trial centered on the fatal act itself, as Judge Harrison affirmed that Vandi had callously shot the pregnant lawyer at close range. This assertion, coupled with the prosecution’s compelling evidence, left no room for leniency.

Earlier in the proceedings, Vandi’s hopes for a favorable outcome were dashed when his “no case submission” was resolutely dismissed by the court. Justice Harrison, ruling on the matter, concluded that a ‘prima facie’ case had been established against the defendant, thus necessitating his defense.

During the defense phase, Adetokunbo Odutola, Vandi’s legal counsel, presented a spirited argument, challenging the credibility of the evidence against his client. Among his contentions, Odutola highlighted the absence of eyewitnesses who directly witnessed the shooting and drew attention to the ballistic report, which purportedly failed to link the bullet to any firearm recovered from the police officers present at the scene. He also pointed out discrepancies between the pathologist’s testimony, which indicated a left armpit entry point, and the prosecution’s claim of a chest shot.

However, the prosecution, led by the Attorney General of Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), staunchly refuted these arguments. Onigbanjo reiterated that the prosecution had effectively presented its case, emphasizing the weight of the evidence against Vandi.

This significant development marks the culmination of a harrowing legal battle that has gripped the attention of the public. As the court proceedings draw to a close, the verdict serves as a stark reminder of the enduring pursuit of justice in our legal system. Further details regarding this case are anticipated in due course.