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Boat Driver Who Caused The Death Of 12 Passengers Pleads Not Guilty
Funke Busari, Lagos
A driver Happiness Elebiju, suspected to have caused the incident that killed 12 persons on board of a commercial boat for a mere three hundred naira fare difference along the Ilashe waterfront in July this year has been arraigned in Lagos on Monday.
He was arraigned by the Lagos State government on a ten count charges before Justice Josephine Oyefeso of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja.
He was arraigned on 10 count charges before Justice Josephine Oyefeso.
The state government blamed the accident, which led to the drowning of 12 passengers on overcrowding and illegal activities of boat operators.
Explaining to the court, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, said the defendant was being charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The suspect denied all charges,
Following his plea, Mrs. Adeyemi urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody, stating that the state was ready to open trial.
She informed that there were two witnesses in court who are ready to testify against the defendant.
But the defence counsel urged the court to grant him time to prepare for trial, arguing that he was just served the notice in the court.
Justice Oyefeso adjourned till Thursday for commencement of trial and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.
Explaining to the court, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, said the defendant was being charged with involuntary manslaughter.
The suspect denied all charges,
Following his plea, Mrs. Adeyemi urged the court to remand the defendant in prison custody, noting that the state was ready to open trial.
She informed that there were two witnesses in court who are ready to testify against the defendant.
But the defence counsel urged the court to grant him time to prepare for trial, arguing that he was just served the notice in the court.
Justice Oyefeso adjourned till Thursday for commencement of trial and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.
