The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has given the name of the police officer who shot dead female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas Day as ASP Drambi Vandi.
The suspected murderer was said to have been in the police service for 33 years before the fatal shooting.
The NBA President, Mr Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, SAN, who deplored what he described as “cold-blooded murder of our member, Mrs Omobolanle Raheem by an officer of the Nigerian Police Force attached to Ajiwe Police Station in Ajah, Lagos State,” confirmed that the deceased was returning from a Christmas church service with her husband and other family members.
It was said that the NBA President, on receiving the sad news, made efforts to get across to Bolanle’s husband but he was understandably unavailable to answer calls.
“The NBA President has however spoken to the brother-in-law of our deceased member and extended the condolence of the NBA to the family of late Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem and assured the family of the support of the NBA in this difficult time.
“Since this terrible incident, the NBA has taken the initiatives to uncover the facts surrounding the murder of our member. The NBA President has engaged the police authorities, including the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 2, Mr. Bode Adeyinka Adeleke, as well as the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, Mr. Abiodun Alabi.
“In this regard, the NBA is able to report that the Lagos State Police Command has confirmed that the suspected murderer of our member is one ASP Drambi Vandi, an officer, who has been in the police service for 33 years!
“While the NBA acknowledges the sympathy and regret of the police authorities over this incident, the NBA President has unequivocally demanded that the Nigerian Police officially disclose and immediately release to Nigerians the fuller details of the errant officer and other officers responsible for this heinous act.
“The NBA President has informed the police of the resolve of the NBA to be a complainant in this case along with the family of late Mrs. Omobolanle Raheem,” the Association said in a release on Monday.
