Train-bus crash: Lagos explains delay in driver’s prosecution

Forum 1 year ago

Train-bus crash: Lagos explains delay in driver’s prosecution

The Lagos State Government says it is set to charge the driver of the staff bus involved in a collision with a train, Oluwaseun Osibanjo, with manslaughter. It said the delay in his arraignment was because he was undergoing treatment and was not fit for trial.

The collision occurred on March 9 at the PWD railway crossing in Ikeja, the state capital.

The bus conveying civil servants was dragged by the train for some metres before it eventually came to a stop in the Shogunle area of the state.

The incident left six people dead and 96 others injured. While some are still in the hospital, some have been discharged.

Osibanjo was immediately apprehended and handed over to the police for investigation and possible prosecution by the state.

According to a statement by the Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, at the end of investigation, findings were forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for further statutory actions.

It partly read, “Upon the receipt and review of the case file by the DPP, a prima facie case of manslaughter and grievous body harm was disclosed against the driver of the staff bus. Accordingly, he is to be charged with six counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of grievous body harm. Both offences are contrary to Sections 224 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

“The Office of the DPP will immediately file charges against the driver. However, his arraignment before the High Court of Lagos State shall be delayed until he is fully fit to stand trial, having sustained serious injuries during the accident.”