Man accused of manslaughter granted N.5m bail

A 30-year-old motorist, Hope Samuel, who allegedly drove recklessly and caused the death of one James Jackson, was on Friday granted N500,000 bail by a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Adeeyo, who granted the bail, ordered the accused to produce two sureties in like sum.

Adeeyo, however, said that the sureties must not be self-employed or a staff of a local government council and Ministry of Education.

Samuel, whose residential address was not stated, had pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of dangerous driving and manslaughter.

Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Ibijoke Akinpelu, told the court that the accused drove recklessly and caused the accident that killed Jackson who was walking on the road.

She said Samuel, who drove a Hummer 2 Jeep with customised plate number, Ezomo, committed the offence at about 4.30 a.m. on May 10 on Shogbamu Street, Bariga, Lagos.

Akinpelu also alleged that the accused damaged a stationary truck with registration number JJJ 94 XS which he rammed into, accidentally knocking Jackson off the road.

The prosecutor said that the lifeless body of the victim was immediately taken to the hospital.

She said that the offence contravened Sections 19 (1) and 20 No 27 Vol. 45 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2012.

The magistrate adjourned the case till June 23 for mention.