Drambi Vandi, the suspected killer of Lagos lawyer, Bolanle Raheem has pleaded not guilty to the murder of Raheem Bolanle, a female lawyer.
The suspended assistant superintendent of police Vandi was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder before the Lagos state high court, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) annex on Monday.
After the charge sheet was read, Vandi pleaded not guilty to the murder charge.
On December 25, Raheem was allegedly shot dead by Vandi at the Ajah axis of Lagos.
The deceased was returning home from a Christmas outing with her family when the shooting incident occurred.
The Christmas Day killing sparked widespread criticism from various sections of the country as well as the political elite.
Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP), later recommended Vandi for suspension.
The Police Service Commission (PSC) granted approval for the suspension on December 29.
On December 30, the Lagos state government filed a one-count charge of unlawful killing against Vandi.
Subsequently, the suspended police officer was remanded at the Ikoyi correctional centre.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has expressed reservations about the way the Nigeria Police Force (NPF) is handling the case.
The President of the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, was at the court as Lagos State Government arraigned Drambi Vandi.
Vandi was arraigned on a one-count charge of murder before Justice Ibironke Harrison at a Lagos High Court sitting at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Monday.
His arraignment which was slated for 9 am was initially delayed by the absence of his counsel to defend him in court.
When the case was called, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, who is leading the prosecution had told the court that he was informed the defence counsel was still on his way.
The court had to stand the matter down until the arrival of Mr Adetokunbo Odutola, Vandi’s counsel.
Also present at the court with Maikyau was the Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna; and other executives of the association to monitor proceedings.
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