Train-Bus Accident: Bus Driver Slammed with 16-Count Charge of Manslaughter, Grievous Body Harm
The Lagos State Department of Public Prosecution has slammed Oluwaseun Osinbajo, driver of the staff bus that collided with a train at the Ikeja area of the state with 16 count charges of manslaughter and grievous body harm.
Mr. Osinbajo is to be charged with six counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of grievous body harm, according to a statement attributed to the Director of Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The statement which was made available on Twitter by the Senior Special Assistant to the Lagos State Governor on New Media, Jubril Gawat, noted that both offences are contrary to Sections 224 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
Recall that on the morning of March 9, 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 Shogunle, a suburb of Ikeja, Lagos.
The horrific incident which involved LASG staff heading to work in the staff bus and passengers of the train resulted in six fatalities, while about 96 others sustained various degrees of injuries.
The statement further read: “The driver of the staff bus on the fateful day, Mr. Oluwaseun Osinbajo 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 the 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”.
