BRT Driver Who Crashed Into Train Arraigned for Alleged Manslaughter
A driver of the Lagos State Staff Bus, Mr. Oluwaseun Osibanjo, appeared before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of Ikeja High Court in Ikeja, on a 16-count-charge bordering on involuntary manslaughter and grievous harm.
On March 9, 2023, the driver allegedly ran into a moving train at Shogunle Level Crossing, Ikeja, resulting in the death of six passengers identified as OreOluwa Aina, Tolulope Emmanuel, Olayinka Rokosu, Ganiyat Salaudeen, Lasisi Isah and Victoria Dada.
According to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, the defendant ignored warning signals and ran into an oncoming train and negligently killed the victims.
He also alleged that the defendant inflicted grievous harm on other passengers named Bolanle Ogunbunmi, Ayomide Shobowale, Sarah Adeleye, Abiola Olarewaju, Esther Ekundayo, Samuel Fagbola, Ismail Bakare, Ayuib Arowoye, Rilwan Abdulazeez and Shiyanbola Murtala.
He said the offence contravenes Sections 244 and 245 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges while his lawyer, Mr. Lekan Egberongbe, prayed the Court to remand him in Police custody due to his health reasons.
In her ruling, Justice Ogala remanded the defendant in prison and adjourned the case until May 26 for the commencement of trial.
