A Lagos High Court has denied a “no-case” petition submitted by ASP Drambi Vandi, who reportedly shot and killed a Lagos lawyer, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem, on December 25, 2022.
Vandi submitted his “no-case” motion on Feb. 28, asking the court to dismiss the charge against him.
Mr Gbenro Gbadamosi, his attorney, had previously contended that the testimony of the prosecution witnesses called in the case was contradictory and did not link Vandi to the crime.
Nevertheless, Presiding Judge Ibironke Harrison ruled that the prosecution, led by Lagos State Attorney-General Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN), had proven adequate oral and documentary evidence tying Vandi to the offence.
Vandi has a case to answer, according to Justice Harrison.
“The prosecution has established a prima facie case requiring some explanation by the defendant.
“The court isn’t looking at the credibility of the prosecution witnesses at this stage. The court will not delve into the substantive case right now.
“The only real issue now is whether a prima facie case has been made by the prosecution and not whether it has proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt,’’ Justice Harrison held.
Moreover, she determined that the defendant’s testimony will provide additional insight into what occurred on December 25, 2022, as she is the only other eyewitness who has not yet been in court.
Before the prosecution ended its case on February 15, it had summoned 11 witnesses, including a pathologist, two eyewitnesses, and eight police officers, some of whom are the defendant’s coworkers.
The defendant’s attorney informed the court that the defence team will analyse the decision and decide whether or not to file an appeal.
According to Mr. Babajide Martins, the Director of Public Prosecution for Lagos State, an interlocutory appeal would not prevent the trial from proceeding in accordance with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act of Lagos State.
As a result, he requested a new hearing date.
The defendant’s opportunity to present his defence was postponed until May 16.
On January 16, Vandi was charged with one count of murder.
According to the prosecution, on the day of the occurrence, the defendant shot and murdered a 41-year-old pregnant property lawyer in Lekki by shooting her in the chest.
It claimed that the offence broke the 2015 Lagos State Criminal Code.
To the accusation, Vandi entered a not-guilty plea.
