Police Arraign Bullion Van Driver For Manslaughter In Ogun

A 31-year-old bullion van driver hired by a bank, Abayomi Komolafe, who reportedly crushed a motorcyclist to death last week, was yesterday arraigned before an Abeokuta Chief Magistrate’s Court for alleged reckless driving and manslaughter.

A 19-year-old boy, Gbenga Okesola, was crushed to death around OPIC, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta, in the incident.

The incident resulted in a clash between policemen and some motorcyclists, which led to the arrest of some of the motorcyclists.

The prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that the accused committed the alleged offence on April 30 at about 10:30 p.m. at Opic Roundabout in Abeokuta.

According to Eigbejiale, the accused   drove  a Mercedes Benz bullion van with number plate PF 281 SPY recklessly and dangerously, which led to the death of Okesola.

He said the accused drove without possessing the necessary documents such as drivers and vehicle licenses, insurance and road worthiness certificates.

He submitted that the offences contravened Sections 18, 7 (1) 14 (1), 25 (2) (b) (p) of Road Traffic Law Vol 4 Laws of Ogun, 2006, and Section 31 (1) of the Motor Vehicle Third Party Insurance.

The accused, whose plea was not taken by the court, was represented by Mr. Israel Shogbamu.

Shogbamu applied for bail for his client in liberal terms and assured the court that he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Anthony Araba, granted the accused N500,000 bail with two sureties in like sum and ordered that the bullion van be detained in the court premises.

He  adjourned the case to June 5 for further hearing.