ASP Drambi Vandi, the policeman accused of killing Lagos-based lawyer Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem on Christmas Day last year, has pleaded not guilty to murder.
Vandi was arraigned on Monday before a Lagos High Court at the Tafawa Balewa Square presided over by Justice Ibironke Harrison where a one-count charge of murder was preferred on him.
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 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.
As of the time of this report, the prosecution has called its first witness, a police officer, to testify.
