SLAIN LAWYER: TWO ROUNDS OF AMMUNITION WAS MISSING FROM DRAMBI'S AK-47 RIFLE WHEN HE WAS DISARMED - WITNESS

Read Time:2 Minute, 44 Second

By Aishat Momoh. O.

Adamu Shuaibu, an Amourer at the Ajiwe police station, Ajah Division , testified before the High Court of Lagos, Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), annex on Wednesday, that two rounds of ammunition was missing from the 25 rounds that Drambi Vandi had booked along side his AK-47 rifle on 25th of December, 2022.

The Police officer who has been in the Force for 22-years recounted these at the resumed hearing of the alleged murder case against the Assistant Superintendent of Police, Drambi Vandi, who was reported to have shot a Lagos-based lawyer on Christmas day around the Ajah Underbridge in Lagos, before Justice Ibironke Olatunbosun Harrison.

The state government preferred a one-count charge of murder contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 against the defendant and arraigned him for the death of Bolanle Raheem.

While giving his testimony, he narrated that on 25th of December, 2022 he received a call from Inspector Ameh Matthew, one of the officers at the scene of the incident, informing him that the defendant had shot a pregnant woman.

He said, “When I told the DPO what had happened, he led some patrol team to the scene. I called all the station guard to fortify the station.

“Later, I saw the Drambi Vandi, and Sup. Segun with the defendant’s rifle which he handed over to me immediately he saw me coming out of the office.”

“I personally disarmed Inspector Ebimine of his AK-47 rifle with 7037 before cross-checking his magazine. The eight rounds of ammunition he booked was complete but when I checked the defendant’s rifle, I realized that only 23 rounds was found and two was missing.”

“I immediately moved to the cell to speak with him and when I asked what happened he started crying.” the officer explained.

When asked by Moyosore Onigbanjo, the Attorney of Lagos State, if he could identify the register in which he uses to take records of arms and ammunition as at 25th December, 2022 the officer responded in the affirmative while he identified the register.

Meanwhile, the AG said he couldn’t tender the original copy of the register but rather, he brought it for comparison and seeks to tender the thesis.

During Cross-examination, Mr Odutola, the defense counsel asked the witness to tell the court what he did with the guns when he received them.

While responding, Mr. Adamu said when he collected the two guns on the 25th of December, after he had confirmed the number of ammunition, he and the station officer transferred the gun immediately to the State Crime Investigation Division (SCID), Panti.

He also explained that he didn’t count the bullets in the presence of the defendant because, after he was disarmed, the DPO ordered his detention before leaving for the hospital while adding that the tension was so high at that time.

He also told the court the procedures when a rifle is returned back to the armourer.

“The normal procedure when you return a rifle is that, I will bring out the magazine and count the ammunition in the presence of the person that collected, then sign after confirming.”

Justice Ibironke Harrison however, adjourned the case till 9th of February, 2023 for continuation of trial.