Slain lawyer, Bolanle Raheem, buried in Lagos amid tears

A Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs Bolanle Raheem, who was shot dead on Christmas Day in Lagos by an Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP, Drambi Vandi, has been buried in the Ikoyi area of Lagos amid tears.

Mrs. Raheem was interred after a funeral service at the Olive Tree Parish of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Banana Island, Lagos.

“Once again, we’ve lost a member, a very, very active member of our branch. A colleague and we only pray that her soul finds rest and that the family will be consoled by the Almighty,” said Ikechukwu Uwanna, chairman of Nigerian Bar Association, NBA, Lagos Branch during the church service.

The obsequies followed a service of songs held in her honour in the church on Monday as well as a day of tributes organised by the NBA in honour of the deceased.

Apart from family members and lawyers, the funeral service was also attended by several dignitaries including the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate for the Eti-Osa federal constituency, Ibrahim Obanikoro.

In a tweet after the service, Obanikoro said: “I attended the late Bolanle Raheem’s funeral service. May God comfort her family and friends. May the days of the rest of us be healthy and long.”

Lagos Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, on Monday led the prosecution as Vandi was arraigned before Justice Ibironke Harrison of the Lagos State High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square, TBS, on a one-count charge of murder.

An NBA delegation, including NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Maikyau, SAN, and Uwanna were present in court to observe proceedings.

The case resumes on January 25 and 26 for the continuation of the cross-examination of Vandi, who pleaded “not guilty” to the charge.