Recently, Honourable Justice Ibironke Harrison handed out a verdict at the Lagos High Court that resulted in the death sentence of police officer, ASP Darambi Vandi. The officer, who fatally shot Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem on Christmas Day in 2022, was convicted for his actions. This ruling serves as evidence that justice can prevail in Nigeria, rekindling hope in a judicial system that many have lost faith in.
Family, professional colleagues, and friends of the deceased lawyer were not the sole individuals anxiously anticipating the verdict’s outcome. Also, well-intentioned Nigerians, whose Christmas spirit supposedly suffered due to the incident, had been eagerly awaiting the resolution of the legal clash between the judiciary and the law enforcement agents.
The imposition of the death penalty, while unable to bring solace to the deceased lawyer who was at the time of her demise, pregnant and held a respected position as a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), could serve as a means to ensure that the crime committed does not go unpunished. We acknowledge the prosecutor and the NBA for ensuring justice in the case. They should also make certain that non-members are treated equally, if found in similar circumstances.
The swift administration of justice in Bolanle Raheem’s case is commendable, especially considering her heightened vulnerability as a pregnant woman. The Lagos State Government, responsible for handling the case, stated that Vandi killed Raheem at Ajah Roundabout on Lekki Expressway. Regrettably, there have been instances where Nigerians have been unfairly killed by law enforcement agents without facing any consequences.
In a statement released shortly after the tragic incident in December, former President Muhammadu Buhari, described it as a stark reminder of the recurring threat posed by mishandled weapons. He emphasised the implication of this incident as a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies. Buhari called for comprehensive operational reforms beyond just improving weapons handling. He accentuated the need for the police to fully understand their fundamental duty of safeguarding the rights of citizens.
This is a timely cautionary statement from the former President. The police and other law enforcement agencies must address the perception that those who are armed on behalf of the state believe they have the authority to act beyond the boundaries of the law. Throughout the nation, numerous people are subjected to mistreatment and violence by the police, soldiers, and various security personnel who carry out their responsibilities without facing any consequences.
Various reasons have been put forth to elucidate the propensity for these individuals in uniform to resort to violence without proper concern for the rights of the citizens. These reasons encompass factors such as their working conditions, including insufficient compensation, substandard living conditions in their barracks, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
However, the recourse to lawlessness by officers, whose primary duty is to enforce the law, cannot be justified. Regardless of the level of provocation, those in uniform should refrain from engaging in vigilantism. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the majority of police personnel are diligent professionals who carry out their duties to the best of their capabilities.
The impediments that prevent the police from effectively fulfilling their constitutional duty to the public will persist until they are properly addressed. One necessary factor to consider is the thorough evaluation of potential recruits, which should include assessing their mental health to prevent the hiring of individuals with criminal backgrounds. This screening will guarantee that only qualified and mentally stable people are selected to serve in the force.
Furthermore, the lack of cogency in policing can be partially attributed to the overly centralised structure of the police force. Prompt measures must be taken to rectify this structural flaw. However, the primary concern should be the well-being of the police personnel. It is vital to allocate sufficient funds and improve the living conditions of officers and men of this noble force.
The nonchalant approach to investigating and punishing deviants has unfortunately led to a prevailing culture of impunity. The Inspector-General of Police must take the lead in re-educating his officers on the importance of respecting people’s rights and understanding the value of human life. This responsibility also extends to the leaders of other armed forces and security institutions.
The fundamental issue of safeguarding lives by law enforcement agencies is a matter of utmost importance in any civilised democracy. Regrettably, this aspect seems to be lacking in our country at present. It is disheartening to witness the disregard for the protection of citizens’ lives, which should be the primary duty of law enforcement agents. Secondly, what aggravates the situation is that these violations often go unpunished, with little or no serious consequences for those responsible.
The safety of all individuals is an essential concern within a civilised democracy. Unfortunately, it appears that our country is currently lacking in this particular aspect. It is, indeed, disheartening to observe the disregard for protecting the lives of citizens, which should be law enforcement’s top priority. The situation is worsened by the fact that these infractions frequently go unpunished, with little or no repercussions for those responsible.
In any society, crime is inevitably present, and deterring potential wrongdoers relies on the assurance of consequences and penalties. Unfortunately, the lack of substantial actions taken to hold these offenders accountable has contributed to the growing number of people engaging in criminal activities. We think that Vandi’s sentence for Raheem’s murder will be a strong message to other impulsive police officers, who should protect citizens rather than harm them.

The Rivers State University Teaching Hospital (RSUTH), in Port Harcourt, has recently reached a critical milestone in
the field of neurosurgery. Through a series of successful brain surgeries, the hospital has demonstrated the exceptional competence of its medical practitioners in Nigeria.
RSUTH’s ability to perform complex procedures with precision and expertise showcases the dedication and professionalism of its doctors. This milestone instils confidence in the Nigerian healthcare system and sets a high standard for healthcare institutions across the state in particular and the country in general.
The surgeries range from pathological issues in the brain, congenital disorders of the spine in children to various other complex medical conditions. These achievements are truly commendable and set the hospital apart as one of the leading tertiary health institutions in the nation. The transformation of the RSUTH from a secondary health provider to a tertiary one has played a vital role in facilitating the advancements.
Several brain pathologies, including intracranial hemorrhage, have been treated successfully through brain surgeries, resulting in patients being discharged home. Intracranial haemorrhage refers to bleeding that occurs within the brain, and surgical interventions have proven effective in managing this condition. Additionally, brain surgeries have been performed successfully in children with various congenital diseases, such as Hydrocephalus.
In cases of Hydrocephalus, where there is an excessive accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the ventricular system of the brain, Ventriculo-Peritoneal Shunt surgeries have been employed. These measures have demonstrated positive outcomes, allowing children to regain normal brain function and improve their quality of life. The success of the surgeries highlights the progression in neurosurgical techniques and the impact they have on patient care in the tertiary health institution.
During the Ventriculo-Peritoneal shunt procedure, a meticulous surgical technique is employed to ensure the successful placement of a shunt system. The procedure begins with a carefully executed incision in the scalp, followed by the drilling of a small hole in the skull. Through this opening, a specialised catheter is gently inserted into one of the brain’s ventricles. This innovative process has consistently yielded results at the RSUTH, particularly in padiatric patients.
By effectively diverting excess cerebrospinal fluid away from the brain, the routine has saved countless children from the devastating consequences of conditions such as blindness, impaired mobility, and cognitive decline. The RSUTH’s commitment to excellence in this method has been instrumental in restoring hope and improving the quality of life for these young patients.
Medical doctors in the hospital have also demonstrated expertise in the repair of Myelomeningoceles, a congenital anomaly characterised by incomplete closure of the backbone and spinal canal prior to birth. Through their skilled interventions, doctors in the hospital have successfully addressed this birth defect. However, it is noteworthy that the journey does not end with the repair itself.
Following a successful technique, patients are not simply discharged, but rather transferred to the continence clinic within the hospital for comprehensive and supportive care. This approach ensures that patients receive the necessary assistance and guidance to manage any potential challenges related to continence before they are ultimately discharged.
Nigeria’s health sector is facing challenges in attracting investors and improving service delivery. However, recent achievements by the State-owned teaching hospital have the potential to change this narrative. These accomplishments may capture the attention of potential investors to the state, ultimately leading to increased foreign exchange earnings. This is a positive development that can transform the health sector in the State.
This is in addition to the commissioning by Governor Siminalayi Fubara administration on Wednesday of the redesigned Dental, Maxillofacial, Ear, Nose, Throat and Ophthamology Hospital; and Prof Kelsey Harrision Hospital, all in Port Harcourt to further boost the health wellbeing of the people of the State.
Besides, the health facilities are designed to serve for specialised health service to patients, as well as for training and medical services as part of the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital. This is ineed, a commend the stride.
The Rivers State Government deserves commendation for its foresight in establishing the hospital and equipping it with state-of-the-art facilities. As a result, it has earned its place among the best teaching hospitals in Nigeria. The commitment and dedication demonstrated by the government in ensuring the provision of top-notch healthcare services including latest medical technologies and infrastructure, are indeed laudable.
To protract the medical successes, the state government must create an environment that fosters motivation and provides regular training opportunities for the doctors and other health professionals manning the teaching hospital. This way, the authorities can encourage them to stay within the country and refrain from seeking opportunities abroad. Motivation plays a pivotal role in retaining and enhancing their job satisfaction, productivity, and overall commitment to their profession.
Rivers indigenes who are on scholarship studying medicine at the PAMO University of Medical Sciences should be employed upon their graduation and given the opportunity to understudy medical professionals at the RSUTH. This strategic move would not only ensure continuity of the excellent performance exhibited by the current medical personnel at the hospital, but also contribute to the overall development of the healthcare sector in the state.
Employing the indigenes will enable the state to capitalise on the knowledge and skills they have acquired during their studies, while also providing them with practical experience in a real-world medical setting. This approach would foster a seamless transition from student to professional, as well as promote the utilisation of local talent to address healthcare needs within the state.

On October 9, 2023, Honourable Justice Ibironke Harrison handed out a verdict at the Lagos High
Court that resulted in the death sentence of police officer, ASP Darambi Vandi. The officer, who fatally shot Lagos-based lawyer, Mrs. Bolanle Raheem on Christmas Day in 2022, was convicted for his actions. This ruling serves as evidence that justice can prevail in Nigeria, rekindling hope in a judicial system that many have lost faith in.
Family, professional colleagues, and friends of the deceased lawyer were not the sole individuals anxiously anticipating the verdict’s outcome. Also, well-intentioned Nigerians, whose Christmas spirit supposedly suffered due to the incident, had been eagerly awaiting the resolution of the legal clash between the judiciary and the law enforcement agents.
The imposition of the death penalty, while unable to bring solace to the deceased lawyer who was at the time of her demise, pregnant and held a respected position as a member of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), could serve as a means to ensure that the crime committed does not go unpunished. We acknowledge the prosecutor and the NBA for ensuring justice in the case. They should also make certain that non-members are treated equally, if found in similar circumstances.
The swift administration of justice in Bolanle Raheem’s case is commendable, especially considering her heightened vulnerability as a pregnant woman. The Lagos State Government, responsible for handling the case, stated that Vandi killed Raheem at Ajah Roundabout on Lekki Expressway. Regrettably, there have been instances where Nigerians have been unfairly killed by law enforcement agents without facing any consequences.
In a statement released shortly after the tragic incident in December, former President Muhammadu Buhari, described it as a stark reminder of the recurring threat posed by mishandled weapons. He emphasised the implication of this incident as a wake-up call for law enforcement agencies. Buhari called for comprehensive operational reforms beyond just improving weapons handling. He accentuated the need for the police to fully understand their fundamental duty of safeguarding the rights of citizens.
This is a timely cautionary statement from the former President. The police and other law enforcement agencies must address the perception that those who are armed on behalf of the state believe they have the authority to act beyond the boundaries of the law. Throughout the nation, numerous people are subjected to mistreatment and violence by the police, soldiers, and various security personnel who carry out their responsibilities without facing any consequences.
Various reasons have been put forth to elucidate the propensity for these individuals in uniform to resort to violence without proper concern for the rights of the citizens. These reasons encompass factors such as their working conditions, including insufficient compensation, substandard living conditions in their barracks, and a diminished sense of self-worth.
However, the recourse to lawlessness by officers, whose primary duty is to enforce the law, cannot be justified. Regardless of the level of provocation, those in uniform should refrain from engaging in vigilantism. Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that the majority of police personnel are diligent professionals who carry out their duties to the best of their capabilities.
The impediments that prevent the police from effectively fulfilling their constitutional duty to the public will persist until they are properly addressed. One necessary factor to consider is the thorough evaluation of potential recruits, which should include assessing their mental health to prevent the hiring of individuals with criminal backgrounds. This screening will guarantee that only qualified and mentally stable people are selected to serve in the force.
Furthermore, the lack of cogency in policing can be partially attributed to the overly centralised structure of the police force. Prompt measures must be taken to rectify this structural flaw. However, the primary concern should be the well-being of the police personnel. It is vital to allocate sufficient funds and improve the living conditions of officers and men of this noble force.
The nonchalant approach to investigating and punishing deviants has unfortunately led to a prevailing culture of impunity. The Inspector-General of Police must take the lead in re-educating his officers on the importance of respecting people’s rights and understanding the value of human life. This responsibility also extends to the leaders of other armed forces and security institutions.
The fundamental issue of safeguarding lives by law enforcement agencies is a matter of utmost importance in any civilised democracy. Regrettably, this aspect seems to be lacking in our country at present. It is disheartening to witness the disregard for the protection of citizens’ lives, which should be the primary duty of law enforcement agents. Secondly, what aggravates the situation is that these violations often go unpunished, with little or no serious consequences for those responsible.
The safety of all individuals is an essential concern within a civilised democracy. Unfortunately, it appears that our country is currently lacking in this particular aspect. It is, indeed, disheartening to observe the disregard for protecting the lives of citizens, which should be law enforcement’s top priority. The situation is worsened by the fact that these infractions frequently go unpunished, with little or no repercussions for those responsible.
In any society, crime is inevitably present, and deterring potential wrongdoers relies on the assurance of consequences and penalties. Unfortunately, the lack of substantial actions taken to hold these offenders accountable has contributed to the growing number of people engaging in criminal activities. We think that Vandi’s sentence for Raheem’s murder will be a strong message to other impulsive police officers, who should protect citizens rather than harm them.