PSC suspends officer arrested over killing of Bolanle Raheem

The Police Service Commission (PSC) has approved the suspension of Drambi Vandi, an assistant superintendent of police (ASP), who was arrested over the killing of Bolanle Raheem.

The approval was announced in a statement on Thursday by Ikechukwu Ani, PSC spokesperson.

The suspension comes hours after a recommendation by Usman Baba, the inspector-general of police (IGP).

Raheem, who was pregnant at the time of her death, was shot on December 25 in the Ajah area of Lagos state.

According to Ani, the suspension takes effect immediately.

“The Police Service Commission has approved the suspension of ASP Drambi Vandi, AP/no 134901, who allegedly shot and killed a female lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, on Christmas day in [Ajah] area of Lagos State with immediate effect,” the statement reads.

“The Commission also directed that the final investigation into the matter is concluded to enable the Commission take further necessary action.

“The Commission in a letter to the Inspector General of Police signed by the acting [Chairperson], Justice Clara Bata Ogunbiyi, JSC rtd CFR, stated that the Commission has carefully examined the facts of the case, observations, and recommendation with respect to allegations against the officer and granted approval for the suspension of the officer from duty with immediate effect.

“The letter titled ‘Re-Request of Suspension from Duty: AP/ NO 134901 ASP DRAMBI Vandi’ with reference No. AP 134901/fs/FHQ/ABJ/9 was dated 28th December 2022.

“The Commission had earlier condemned the unprovoked killing of the lawyer and had demanded a thorough investigation into the matter.

“The Commission also called for proper training of Police personnel on weapon management.”