By Ladapo Kolade
Lagos State has announced plans to arraign Mr. Oluwaseun Osibanjo, the driver of the bus that collided with train on March 9 this year for manslaughter.
Giving an update on efforts to give justice to passengers killed and injured, the state government said the case file has been forwarded to the office of the Director of Public Prosecution, DPP who is authorised by the law to charge the matter to the High Court.
However, it disclosed that the case may be delayed till the driver is strong enough to go through trial.
The statement reads:
” Recall that on the morning of the 9th of March, 2023, a LASG staff bus collided with a train at the PWD railway crossing at Ikeja and the train dragged the bus with its passengers along the tracks until it came to a stop at Sogunle, a suburb of Ikeja, Lagos State.
The horrific incident which involved LASG staff heading to work in the staff bus and passengers of the train resulted in six fatalities with about 96 others with various degrees of injuries. The injured victims were hospitalised across many Government Hospitals in the State.
The driver of the staff bus on the fateful day (Mr. Oluwaseun Osibanjo) was apprehended and handed over to the Police for investigation and possible prosecution by the State. At the end of investigations, the case file was forwarded to the6 D.P.P. for further statutory actions.
Upon the receipt and review of the case file by the D.P.P, 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 D.P.P. 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.
