Funke Busari, Lagos
A driver, Sodiq Okanlanwan alleged to have driven an unlatched truck that crushed to death Chidinma Ajoku, and Chima Nnaekpe to death on July 26, 2020 along Apapa-Oshodi Expressway have been remanded in police custody by a Lagos High Court sitting in Igbosere.
Also ordered to be remanded on Tuesday was the truck owner, Wasiu Lekan.
Recall that Miss Ajoku and her colleague, Nnaekpe, who both worked in the commercial department, Hajj & Cargo Terminal at the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria were traveling on a commercial bus before their untimely death when a truck with number plate SGM 715 XA loaded with a 20ft container fell on the vehicle.
Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu- Igihile issued the remand order following Okanlanwan and Lekan’s arraignment for alleged involuntary manslaughter.
The defendants are facing a three count charge filed against them by the Lagos State government.
Leading the prosecution, the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN, informed the court that the defendants committed the offences on July 26, 2020.
Mr. Onigbanjo said Okanlanwan, on the day of the incident at about 4pm, on Oshodi Expressway, in Ilasamaja, ran over the victims, with his vehicle.
The prosecution said the defendant unlawfully killed one Nnaekpe Chima Victor, Chidinma Ajoku and Daniel Okwuoge, by running over them with his truck.
The offence is contrary to Section 224 and punishable under Section 229, of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
During arraignment today, the defendants denied the charge.
But Mr. Onigbanjo prayed the court to remand them in police custody pending when they test negative to COVID-19, before they can be remanded at the appropriate correctional facilities.
Onigbanjo also asked for a short adjournment to commence the trial, but the counsel to the defendants, Mr. Emmanuel Okedi, who held the brief of M. A. Osagbede, objected to the short adjournment, on the premise that he needed to study the information as he was just served few minutes before the arraignment.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile, adjourned till August 20 and 26, 2020 for trial.
