During his testimony before the court, Vandi made a startling claim that the bullet presented as evidence, alleged to be the one responsible for Mrs Bolanle Raheem's death, did not originate from the rifle he carried on a fateful day. He asserted that he had never seen the bullet until it was produced in court, casting doubt on its connection to the incident.
Furthermore, Vandi provided insights into the training received by police officers regarding the handling of firearms and ammunition. He stated that he had undergone training at a local school where he learned about various types of rifles, pistols, and ammunition used by law enforcement. He emphasised that he had been taught the assembly and disassembly of firearms and ammunition.
Vandi also revealed that police officers stationed at barracks receive regular training every five months to refresh their knowledge and skills in handling rifles. Additionally, he provided the court with an explanation of how the bullets in an AK-47 rifle functioned, distinguishing between different types of ammunition.
During his testimony, Vandi made a statement regarding the bullet presented in court: "The magazine (Exhibit P19), containing six bullets, is the shell of an assorted rifle and is used in an AK-47, while the bullet (Exhibit P11A) is a long-range bullet. This one covers over 500 meters. If you line up 10 people, this bullet will go through all of them. When it is shot at close range, it can't remain inside the person's body and also any object at close range, it must penetrate through it. It must pass through at least four objects, and this is not the ammunition in my rifle on the 25th of December, 2023. The rifle is automatic. By using this bullet, you must cork the rifle, and anyone around that area will hear the noise of the cork. Once it is fired, the shell will fall on the right side of the ground near the person that fired it, and it will remain at the point of fire. The noise will be so loud when fired. I've never come across this exhibit before, even throughout my training, and it's not the type of ammunition used by the police," he asserted.
In response to questioning by the Director of Public Prosecution, Dr Babajide Martins, Vandi recounted the events of that Christmas day. He stated, "On the 25th of December 2022, I was on duty at Ajah Underbridge, and I was with a rifle that had 25 rounds of ammunition, which I booked from the armourer and signed for. I resumed duty in the morning, but I don't know the time. I was with Inspector Ameh and Inspector Ibimene. I was not the only one armed; Ibimene was also armed, but I was the last man on guard. I stood about 100 meters away from where the affected vehicle was parked. I went to the hospital with the driver and the deceased in the vehicle involved, but not all of us were in the vehicle. Titilayo (the sister of the deceased) was not in the vehicle. I was half-dressed, wearing a mufti when I was arrested at Budo Hospital, and I was taken to the police station where I wrote my statement. All of us were detained, and we wrote our statements at Ajah and Panti. None of us was released before we were transferred to Panti. I wish the deceased is alive, and I regret her death. May her soul rest in peace," he concluded.
Following Vandi's testimony, Justice Harrison instructed the lawyers to submit their written addresses and exchange them within 21 days. The court will reconvene on July 13, 2023, for the adoption of the final written addresses, marking another crucial step in this closely watched trial.