Metro
We Were Warned Hours Before Vandi Killed Bolande Raheem, Inspector Tells Court
A police inspector, Matthew Ahmen, who was a colleague of ASP Drambi Vandi, the police officer who allegedly killed a lawyer, Mobolanle Raheem, on Monday, told a Lagos State High Court that the Ajah Divisional Police Officer warned them against shooting any civilian.
Ahmen, who was led in evidence-in-chief by the Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Moyosore Onigbajo, SAN, told Justice Ibironke Harrison that on December 25, 2022, when the incident happened, he and his colleagues resumed duty at 6am in their office at Ajah.
The witness said, “The DPO told us that on no account should anyone use firearms, except someone was in danger or our lives were being threatened.”
He said the three of them were posted to Ajah under bridge and Vandi was the leader of the team.
The witness, who noted that he enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force in 2001, stated that while they were conducting stop and search, another colleague, Dimini, was in front, while he was at the middle; Vandi was at the back.
Ahmen said when Dimini saw a car coming and he flagged it down, the car did not stop.
According to him, when the car got to where he stood, he also flagged it down but the driver did not stop.
“The next thing I heard was a gunshot and I looked back to see what was happening; I saw that a windscreen was falling down.
“The next thing I saw again was a dark woman who jumped down from the vehicle and I heard her saying, ‘Oga you have killed my sister.’ The woman held him (Vandi) and before I and Dimini could get to them, they had entered the car, locked it and left,” he added.
Ahmen said after the shooting, he and Dimini returned to the station.
He said, “Vandi entered the same vehicle and they drove him away; we did not know where they went to. While we were at the station, we saw that the DPO brought ASP Vandi to the station with the police patrol vehicle.”
Earlier, Vandi was arraigned on one count of murder preferred against him by the Lagos State Government.
He was accused of killing Raheem at the Ajah under bridge, Lekki-Epe Expressway, Lagos State.
The state government said Vandi unlawfully killed the pregnant woman by shooting her in the chest.
According to the prosecution, the offence contravened Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Consequently, the AG told the court that he had two witnesses and they were ready for trial.
Trial commenced immediately as Ahmen was called as the first prosecution witness.
After his testimony, the case was adjourned till January 25 and 26, for continuation of trial.
The President of the Nigeria Bar Association, Mr Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, and some of his members and the chairman of the Lagos Island NBA branch were also present during the trial on Monday.
Maikyau said the presence of his team in the court was to demonstrate commitment to pursue the case to a logical conclusion.
“Never again will matters like this be swept under the carpet under our watch; we would not let it happen,” he added.
The Punch
By Eric Elezuo
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police have debunked reported assassination attempt on the life of Naval Lt MA Yerima, the soldier, who stood to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land.
In a statement by the FCT Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Josephine Adeh, the command insisted that no such incident happened or was reported anywhere around Abuja, asking residents to ignore the reports as fake.
The statement further advised the public to ‘disregard the false information, and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic’.
Recall that it was reported on Sunday night that Lt. Yerima escaped assassination after black hilux trucks trailed him. This reported escaped is coming on the heels of a heated altercation the Naval officer had with Wike over a parcel of land said to belong to a former Chief of Naval Staff.
The Presidency has since welded into the matter, ordering a stay on the demolition plans.
The statement in full:
The attention of the FCT Police Command has been drawn to publications circulating on social media alleging an attempted assassination on Lt. Ahmed Yerima. The Command wishes to categorically state that no such incident has been reported or recorded anywhere within the Federal Capital Territory. The public is advised to disregard this false information and desist from spreading unverified claims capable of causing unnecessary panic.
For the safety of all residents, the Command urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to the nearest Police Division. You may also reach the Command Headquarters through our emergency lines: 08032003913 and 08068587311 for prompt response.
Nigerians were last night divided over the report that Navy Lieutenant Ahmad M. Yerima narrowly escaped an assassination attempt in Abuja, with many now questioning whether the incident happened exactly as described.
Initial reports from multiple news platforms claimed Yerima was trailed by two unmarked Hilux vans without number plates, prompting a high-speed chase and a “tactical manoeuvre” that allegedly saved his life.
The report quoted military sources who said the vehicles allegedly followed him from the NIPCO Filling Station off the Line Expressway to Gado Nasco Way at about 6:30p.m.
The source added that the matter is under investigation and is receiving “the seriousness it deserves,” noting that further details are being withheld so as not to compromise the process.
The development comes days after Yerima, while on duty with other security personnel, engaged in a tense confrontation with FCT Minister Nyesom Wike over a disputed land site in Gaduwa District. The clash, captured on viral videos, sparked widespread public debate and prompted intervention from the Presidency, which subsequently halted the demolition exercise at the site.
But as the story spreads, so do doubts. Critics argue that the details remain vague and rely heavily on Yerima’s personal account, with no confirmed CCTV footage, eyewitness statements, or official security briefings to back the claims. Some security analysts say the descriptions sound “too cinematic,” raising the possibility of misinterpretation or exaggeration.
Adding to the skepticism is the timing of the report, coming just days after Yerima’s viral confrontation with Wike over a halted demolition exercise. While social media users have tried to link both events, officials insist there is no evidence connecting Wike or any political figure to the alleged chase.
Already, military veterans nationwide have criticised Wike for verbally insulting the officer and rejected calls for disciplinary action against Yerima. Spokesman for the Coalition of Retired Veterans, Abiodun Durowaiye-Herberts, warned that ex-service members would “occupy the office and residence of the FCT Minister” if the officer faced any punishment.
Many others want clarity: Was the officer truly targeted, or is this a case of panic amplified by public emotion and online speculation? Investigators are yet to provide answers.
Adron Homes set the stage for a remarkable sporting experience by hosting the Adron Cup Golf Tournament, bringing together golf enthusiasts, industry professionals, and distinguished guests for a day dedicated to excellence, competition, and camaraderie.
The tournament was officially declared open by the Chairman of Adron Group, Aare Adetola Emmanuelking, who earlier this year received the first-ever Nigeria’s Noble Golfer Award, reflecting his growing influence and passion for the game of golf. In a moment that drew applause across the course, he performed the ceremonial tee-off, symbolically setting the tournament in motion.
Following the opening, the Chairman embarked on a tour of the golf course, delighting participants and spectators alike. He played several holes, showing his enthusiasm for the game, while also taking time to engage, encourage, and cheer on the competing golfers.
Players described the experience as inspiring, noting that the Chairman’s presence elevated the spirit of the competition and reinforced the values of sportsmanship and unity that the tournament represents.
As the tournament concluded, Mr. Sunday Aderibigbe, representing the Chairman of Adron Homes, officiated the presentation of awards and the official unveiling ceremony. His presence added prestige to the event and affirmed the company’s continued commitment to celebrating excellence within the golfing community.
The inaugural Adron Cup Golf Tournament marks the beginning of what promises to be a premier sporting event in the region, reflecting Adron Group’s commitment not only to excellence in real estate but also to promoting recreation, community engagement, and healthy living through sport.
The event concluded with commendations for the organizers and enthusiastic feedback from participants, leaving a lasting impression on all who attended.
