Bolanle Raheem: Policeman who killed Lagos lawyer sentenced to death-by-hanging- Court (Nigerians react)

The Lagos State High Court has sentenced Drambi Vandi, who fatally shot Bolanle Raheem, a Lagos-based lawyer, to death by hanging.

The judge Ibironke Harrison on Monday found the police officer guilty of murder.

“The court found the defendant guilty on one count of murder. You will be hanged by the neck till you are dead,”

reported how Drambi Vandi allegedly killed Mrs Raheem, an expectant mother, on Christmas Day in 2022 at the Ajah roundabout in Lagos.

The police officer is attached to the Ajiwe police division in the Ajah area of the state. He was suspended two days after the incident.

 The state government had preferred one count of murder of the lawyer against the defendant and subsequently arraigned him.

Since the court trial started in January, the deceased’s husband, sister, police armourer, pathologist and seven others have testified against the defendant.

The prosecution tendered 27 exhibits

 Mr Vandi was the only witness who testified in his defence.

In his testimony before the court, Mr Vandi told the judge that the bullet presented in court, which was said to have killed the deceased, did not come from the rifle he carried on the day of the incident.

He also claimed that he had never seen the bullet until it was tendered in court.

Following the pronouncement, Nigerians have continued to react to the pronouncement on Twitter.

Read some of the reactions:

Saddening to see anyone lose their life, but the death-by-hanging sentencing of killer cop Drambi Vandi is a welcome development.

Policemen who tell us "I'll shoot you and nothing will happen" need to start realising that something -- like death by hanging -- can happen.@Fisayo Soyombo 

I hope it's not just a "Paper Sentence".._@Capello 

Someone has to be there to make sure that the hanging is successful. Make dem no exchange am with another prisoner@AkanPatrick1

Bolanle Raheem's Death: Court to Rule on Killing of Lagos Lawyer by Policeman Today

Justice Ibironke Harrison of a Lagos High Court in Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS) will today deliver judgement in the case of an Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Drambi Vandi, charged with the murder of a Lagosbased legal practitioner, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem. 

The judge arrived at the decision after parties in the matter adopted their final written addresses. It would be recalled that Vandi was arraigned on January 16, 2023, on a count charge of murder brought against him by the Lagos State Government. But he pleaded not guilty to the charge and the judge subsequently ordered accelerated hearing of the case. In the charge, the Lagos State Government accused Vandi of shooting Mrs Raheem in the chest at Ajah Roundabout on the Lekki expressway on December 25, 2022.

The alleged offence was said to have contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. While the trial lasted in the criminal case, the prosecution team, led by a former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos State, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) called 11 witnesses, including eight police officers and a pathologist. Among the prosecution witnesses called was one, Inspector Matthew Ameh, who worked with ASP Vandi at the time of the alleged murder.

The case of the prosecution was closed on February 25, 2023. Three days later, the defendant through his lawyer, Gbenro Gbadamosi, filed a no-case application, praying the court to quash the charge against him. Gbadamosi particularly insisted that the evidence of the prosecution witnesses was inconsistent and did not link Vandi to the alleged murder. But on April 3, 2023, Justice Harrison threw out the no-case submission as initiated by ASP Vandi. In throwing out Vandi’s submission, the trial judge held that the prosecution established sufficient oral and documentary evidence linking ASP Vandi to the alleged crime, which required an explanation from him. Justice Harrison added that the evidence by the defendant would shed light on what happened. The position of the court prompted Vandi to, on May 31, 2023, gave evidence in the matter and also closed his case. His lawyer had initially told the court that Vandi was the sole defence witness. Parties adopted their written addresses on July 13, and the court consequently reserved judgement till 9th October, 2023.

Adeleke declares curfew in Ifon, Ilobu

Osun State Government has swiftly imposed a 24-hour curfew in the Ilobu and Ifon communities to quell escalating tensions and prevent further disturbances.

The directive, effective immediately, comes in response to a communal clash between the two areas, resulting in eight reported casualties.

The conflict, believed to have been ignited by an ongoing land dispute, prompted Governor Ademola Adeleke to take decisive decision.

Kolapo Alimi, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, conveyed the governor’s decision to maintain law and order in these communities.

Governor Adeleke has assumed control of the disputed lands and areas in an effort to restore lasting peace.

Any individuals or groups found engaging in activities within these disputed zones will face legal consequences as determined by the state government.

Allegedly Poisoned Nigerian Minister Battles for Survival in Abuja Hospital

Nigerian tourism minister, Lola Ade-John has been hospitalised in Abuja after suffering acute poisoning from unknown origins.

Lola Ade-John, 60, was rushed to the Federal Medical Centre, Jabi, shortly after she started manifesting symptoms of her poisoning, according to family sources familiar with her ordeal. She has spent four days at the facility as of Friday morning.

Ms Ade-John, a career banker and tech investor, has been on a machine to aid her breathing, as disclosed to newsmen. The specifics as to what substance she ingested and how could not be immediately established by The Gazette. The police and the State Security Service did not immediately return a request on whether or not any investigations had been opened into the matter.  

Her worsening situation has further set the family against the government, with the permanent secretary of her ministry said to be in disagreement as to whether she should continue receiving treatment at a public hospital or be moved to a better-equipped private facility downtown. 

The permanent secretary, Ngozi Onwudike, was said to have insisted that the minister should not be transferred because the FMC is a public hospital and its services wouldn’t attract substantial charges to the government, a position her family rebuffed. But they remained with her as they could not raise funds to move her to a private hospital, our sources said. A phone number for the permanent secretary did not connect on Friday morning. 

A spokesperson for the FMC did not immediately return a request seeking comments from newsmen about Ms Ade-John’s condition. 

Ms Ade-John was appointed as a minister by President Bola Tinubu in August. She was immediately touted as one of the few cabinet members appointed from outside the political beltway. She was based in London for years before she was asked to return to the country to serve by the president.

Independence Day: FG declares Monday as Public Holiday

In commemoration of Nigeria’s 63rd Independence Day anniversary, the Federal Government has declared Monday, October 2, 2023, as a public holiday.

The Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, made the declaration in Abuja on behalf of the federal government on Thursday, according to a statement by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Oluwatoyin Akinlade.

The minister assured Nigerians of the President Bola Tinubu-led administration’s continued commitment to tackling challenges facing the country.

“It is today a known fact that difficult socio-economic and security challenges are global, and Nigeria is not isolated.

 The Government is daily making efforts to confront these varied and numerous challenges with all the might available until respite comes our way,” the statement quoted him as saying.

Tunji-Ojo said the greatness ahead of the country was achievable if all citizens worked together in unity.

“Our warm welcoming spirit and love as well as our unbounded human capital and the richness of our land makes Nigeria unarguably the leading black Nation in the World being Africa’s pride and beacon of hope for the Renewed Hope of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR

[28/09, 16:31] Honeydeebags: While wishing the citizens a memorable independence celebration, the Minister recalled that our founding fathers, despite the differences in faith, tribe and tongue, came together for Nigeria’s freedom which we enjoy today.

“The minister assured that this Administration through the Renew Hope Agenda will ensure a better Nigeria for all citizens, as a befitting tribute to our heroes past,” the statement added.

INEC announces dates for Ondo, Edo Guber Elections

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced dates for governorship elections in Edo and Ondo states in 2024.

The governorship election in Edo State will take place on September 21, 2024, while that of Ondo State comes up on Saturday, November 16, 2024.

INEC National Commissioner and Chairman, Information and Voter Education Committee, Sam Olumekun, in a statement issued Tuesday said the tenure of the current governors of Edo and Ondo states will end on 11th November, 2024, and 23rd February, 2025, respectively.

The Commission said as provided in Section 178 (2) of the Constitution, election into the said offices shall hold not earlier than 150 days, and not later than 30 days, before the expiration of the tenure of the last holder of the offices.

Olumekun said, “The latest date for Election to the office of Governor, Edo State, is 12th October 2024 while that of Ondo State is 24th January 2025. Similarly, Section 28(1) of the Electoral Act, 2022 requires the Commission to publish Notice for the Election not later than 360 days before the date of the election.

“The governorship election will hold on Saturday 21st September 2024.”

According to the timetable and schedule of activities for the Edo State governorship elections, party primaries will hold from 1st – 24th February 2024 while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 4th March 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 24th March 2024.

The Commission noted that the final list of candidates will be published on 23rd April 2024 while campaigning in public by political parties commences on 24th April 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 19th September 2024.

For Ondo State, he said party primaries will hold from 6th – 27th April 2024, while the submission of the list of nominated candidates via the online portal will start at 9.00am on 29th April 2024 and close at 6.00pm on 20th May 2024.

The national commissioner added that the final list of candidates will be published on 18th June 2024 while campaign in public by political parties commences on 19th June 2024 and ends 24 hours prior to election day on 14th November 2024.

The Commission revealed that a detailed timetable and Schedule of Activities for the two elections have been uploaded to its website and social media platforms.

The Commission appealed to political parties and candidates to note the activities in the timetable for strict compliance.

Social Media Meltdown as Man Vows to Give Late Mohbad's Wife N10m for a DNA Test

Internet users have continued to react after a Nigerian man, Larry Omordia, identified as the CEO of African TV, has come forward to challenge the late singer’s wife, Omawunmi Aloba, to prove the paternity of her son, Liam Aloba. 

In a viral video sighted by our correspondent online, the elderly man explained why it is important for the late singer's wife to prove her innocence amid the controversies surrounding her husband's death.

He noted that a DNA test would be of no harm when compared to the trauma she would face from the accusations against her. The man also vowed to give the child N10 million if the DNA proved he was the singer's son.

Following his statement, some internet users have taken to social media to express divergent opinions about it.

Read some of the reactions:

If Mohbad’s wife agrees to do the DNA test, I will double the money to 20m 🙏🏽 @raycypherS

so Mohbad’s wife refused to do the DNA test? i’m afraid i’ll have to step in at this point.@charlie_1249

Iya Liam, there's nothing insensitive about Nigerians asking you do The DNA test. We all heard the recording of Mohbad where he accused you in the event he dies.

When we were dragging Naira Marley & Sam Larry it was "justice," don't turn it to "family" now you're on the spotlight. @itzlaramiles.

If she’s sure of herself, she would have come forward for the DNA before it escalated this much 

Now everyone is giving her a doubt 

I just hope it’s moh’s son koz if not @IamSignaal