Slain lawyer Bolanle Raheem buried in Ikoyi as suspected killer cop pleads not guilty
The remains of the murdered Lagos Lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem was committed to mother earth today at Ikoyi vault.
Raheem remains were taken to the cemetery after a church services at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victoria Garden City, following when she was taken to Ikoyi vaults for interment.
A service of songs was held on Monday before her burial Tuesday.
Meanwhile, an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP), Mr. Drambi Vandi, accused of killing a Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem in a cold murder on Christmas Day has pleaded not guilty to the alleged killing.
The plea of no guilty rendered by the accused cop, was subsequent to his arraignment on a one count charge of murder by the Lagos State Government contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The court proceeding, which was slated for 9 am, had suffered setbacks until about 11am when Vandi’s counsel, Mr. Adetokunbo Odutola, arrived.
It would be recalled that when the matter was earlier called, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyo Onigbanjo, SAN, who is leading the prosecution team had informed the High Court of Lagos State, TBS, presided over by Justice Ibironke Harrison, that he was informed the defence counsel was still on his way.
Following this the judge had stood down the matter to await Odutola’s arrival.
On arrival, Onigbanjo, SAN, intimated to the judge that the prosecution has a witness in court and that the state was ready to commence trial.
Onigbanjo’s position was however not opposed by Odutola, who prayed for accelerated hearing. Thereafter, a police inspector was invited to the witness box.
In his testimony before the court, Inspector Mathew Ameh explained that his team, including the defendant, were deployed to Ajah under the bridge where they were conducting a stop and search.
The witness informed the court that his team tried to stop the deceased car, which is an unregistered vehicle, but the driver didn’t stop and Supol Vandi fired at the car.
The matter has been adjourned until Jan 25 and 26 for cross-examination and continuation of trial.
Justice Harrison also ordered an accelerated hearing of the case.
Meanwhile, to further stand by its commitment to ensuring justice in the matter, the Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, through its President, Yakubu Maikyau (SAN), the Chairman of the NBA Lagos Branch, Ikechukwu Uwanna; and other executives of the Association were present in court to monitor proceedings.
Vandi, an Assistant Superintendent of Police 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.
