Bolanle Raheem: Defendant closes defence
A police officer, Drambi Vandi, who allegedly shot and killed a Lagos-based attorney, Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day, concluded his defence on Wednesday at the Tafawa Balewa Square location of the Lagos High Court.
Vandi is on trial for allegedly shooting and killing a Lagos-based attorney, Mrs. Raheem, in the Ajah neighbourhood of Lagos on December 25, 2022.
At the resumed hearing, the defence attorney, Mr. Jude Ugwu, questioned the defendant.
Vandi testified in court that he had never seen the bullet identified as the alleged murder weapon.
He claimed that the bullet was not the same ammunition that had been in his rifle on the day of the incident.
Vandi described attending a local training academy where he learned about weapons and ammunition.
According to him, the police receive rifle training every five months to refresh their memories.
The defendant stated that he learned about the various types of rifles, pistols, and ammunition in training school.
The defence attorney, however, requested that the court produce exhibit P11(a), the bullet and six-round magazine, which is exhibit P19.
Therefore, the witness informed the court that a portion of P19 was a shell from a variety of rifles used in an AK-47, noting that the exhibit was a long-range bullet.
He explained that the bullet on display could travel more than 500 metres.
“If you line up ten people, this bullet will penetrate each and every one of them.
“When shot at close range, it cannot remain inside a person’s body, and it must penetrate through any nearby object.
“It must traverse at least four obstacles. This is not the ammo in my firearm on December 25, 2022.
“The firearm is autoloading. “In order to use this bullet, you must cork the rifle, and anyone nearby will hear the cork,” the defendant explained.
He stated that immediately after firing the rifle, the shell would fall to the ground near the person who fired it and remain there.
Vandi stated he had never seen the bullet before it was presented in court.
Additionally, the witness stated that the item was not the type of ammunition used by law enforcement.
The witness stated during cross-examination by the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr. Babajide Martins, that he was on duty at the Ajah underbridge on December 25, 2022.
The witness stated that he carried a rifle with 25 rounds of ammunition while on duty.
He explained that he had signed and reserved the firearm with the armament specialist.
He also informed the court that he was not the only armed officer on duty that day.
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Vandi also described his arrest, detention, and statement writing following the incident.
“I wish the deceased was still alive and I lament her passing. “May her soul rest in peace,” he prayed in conclusion.
The defence attorney had previously informed the court that the defendant was the only witness for the defence.
However, he requested that the court grant them 21 days to file and adopt their written addresses.
Justice Ibironke Harrison ordered the parties to exchange written addresses following the presentation of evidence.
However, Harrison adjourned the case until July 13 in order to adopt final written addresses.
That is the latest Naija News today on Bolanle Raheem: Defendant closes defence
