Driver gets N500,000 bail over alleged manslaughter

A 48-year-old driver, Tunji Odofin, who allegedly knocked down a pedestrian, Ibrahim Yahaya, 32, was on Monday released on a N500,000 bail at an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr M.A Etti granted the bail with two sureties in like sum.

Etti said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and should show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Earlier, the accused pleaded not guilty to the two-count charges of dangerous driving and manslaughter.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Olusegun Kokoye, had told the court that the accused, who resided in Apapa area of Lagos, committed the offences on Aug. 23.

Kokoye alleged that the accused drove recklessly and knocked down Yahaya, who was walking along the road.

He said that Odofin knocked down the victim with a space bus with registration no., AKD 604 BP, along Badagry Expressway, Agboju Bus Stop, Lagos.

“A team of traffic management officials rushed to the scene of the accident and took the lifeless body of Yahaya to the hospital,” he said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 19 and 20 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The case was adjourned till Oct. 19 for mention. (NAN)