A prosecution witness, Jubril Yakubu has confirmed that late student of Chrisland School, Whitney Adeniran visited the hospital on January 20 and was in school on 1st February, 7th February to participate in the march past, and on February 9th to participate in the inter-house sport.
This formed part of the conclusion of the evidence by the Assistant Director and Head of Unit, Schools Social Work Services and Grade Level 16 officer from the Ministry of Youth and Social Development, MYSD in the ongoing trial of Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, Victoria Nwatu and Chrisland School.
At the resumed hearing, Dr. Babajide Martins announced appearance for the state while Olukayode Enitan, SAN, announced appearance along with some other counsel.
The third prosecution witness was cross examined by the fifth defendant’s counsel, Ademola Animashaun during the proceeding before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court.
He was also cross examined on the number of schools in District 6, and he maintained that he does not know the actual number of the schools in Lagos as at December 31, 2023.
He highlighted, “I am responsible for more than 1,722 schools approved by the Ministry of Education.”
He however noted that the deceased opted out of the activities on the day of the inter-house sport.
The school’s counsel asked the witness under cross-examination, “Are you aware that she didn’t participate on the activities on that day?
The prosecution witness said, “Yes.”
The defence counsel also asked: She was not forced by the school to participate?
“Yes”.
When the counsel asked, do you remember that you confirmed in your evidence that matters concerning emergency measures was not within your purview?
He responded in the affirmative.
When also asked if the provision of ambulance, provision of nurses at the inter-house sport is for emergency measure purpose, he replied, “They should be part of emergency preparedness, not just for emergency.”
Continuing, “You don’t have the competence and authority at that meeting to speak on emergency signal, the witness replied in the negative.
When the witness was unable to tell the actual numbers of the schools within District 6, he noted “That has to do with Ministry of Education, mine has to do with social services.”
“I have the competence to speak about District 6.”
Then he was asked, “How many students are subject to social risk exposure in District 6?
“I don’t have the number off-heart.”
“But in each of the school, the school should have designated safeguarding and child protection officer appointed among the staff of the school to take lead.
He claimed that, “Mrs. Tawa Sodiq, school social officer in District 6 reports to me.
“Are your aware there were four mobile police men at the stadium on the day of the incident?
The witness said no.
“Are your aware there were 96 staff on the stadium?
“I don’t know.”
“There were medical stand manned by two registered nurses, four first aiders, are you aware?
The social worker, replied, “I only know of one.”
“Are your aware there were water dispensers and bowls? No
“Are you aware that mobile police vans were attached to each of the buses?
“I am not aware.”
Are you aware the stadium was manned by security and mobile policemen to protect the children provided by the school?
“I am not aware.
“Are you aware that there were house masters and house mistresses who were present at the pavilion to supervise the children?
“Yes”.
“Are you aware that they were supported by eight staff members?
“I’m not aware.”
“Can you tell me the number of designated safeguarding and child protection officers in District 6?
“I only know that each school supposed to have, I don’t have the number.
Recall that the state government on March 30, 2023, arraigned the Cotton Candy vendor Ademoye Adewale, the school’s instructor Kuku Fatai, the principal of the school Belinda Amao, the school Nurse Victoria Nwatu and Chrisland School Limited, over the death of Whitney.
The defendants were charged to court over a-two counts of involuntary manslaughter, reckless and negligent acts preferred against them by the Lagos State Government.
The incident took place at about 1:00p.m, in Agege Sports Stadium, adding that the defendants killed Whitney by acting in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered her life.
According to the charge, the offence committed contravened Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Law, Lagos State 2015.
The defendants however pleaded not guilty to the charges against them.
Justice Ogala, thereafter discharged the witness and adjourned till June 13, and July 4 for continuation of trial.
