Drambi Vandi, the police officer accused of killing a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day last year, has been arraigned at a Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square.
Vandi was arraigned before Justice Ibironke Harrison on a single count of murder. He entered a not guilty plea to the charge.
The arraignment which was scheduled for 9 am was initially delayed by the absence of counsel to defend Vandi 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 to await his arrival. Vandi is now being represented by Mr. Adetokunbo Odutola.
In furtherance of the commitment of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to ensure justice in the matter, the President of the Bar, Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Yakubu Maikyau; the Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna; and other executives of the association were also present in court to monitor proceedings.
Vandi, an Assistant Superintendent attached to the Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State, allegedly shot Bolanle Raheem while she was returning from an outing with her family members on Christmas Day.
As of the time of this report, the prosecution has called its first witness, a police officer, to testify.