Late Raheem

A former police officer has been sentenced to death for the fatal shooting of a pregnant lawyer in Lagos last December.

Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court convicted ex-Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Drambi Vandi for the murder of Omobolanle Raheem at a checkpoint in Ajah.

After reviewing evidence, Justice Harrison ruled that the prosecution proved its case against Vandi beyond reasonable doubt.

“The defendant is found guilty of the murder charge. He will be hanged by the neck until pronounced dead,” the judge declared on Thursday.

Vandi was arrested and charged by the Lagos State Government following the December 25 killing of the 41-year-old Raheem, who was four months pregnant.

The former cop had pleaded not guilty when his trial commenced in January. But surveillance footage and eyewitness testimony implicated Vandi for recklessly shooting at Raheem’s vehicle during a confrontation at the checkpoint.

Rights groups in Nigeria have long advocated for reforms and accountability to curb police brutality. The tragic murder of the young legal practitioner again highlighted the dire need to rein in abuse of power.

Vandi’s conviction represents an instance of justice being served for shooting incidents involving officers.