Man docked over alleged manslaughter

A 25-year-old businessman, Ebuka James, who allegedly drove recklessly and knocked down a pedestrian to death, was on Wednesday brought before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court.

The defendant, who resides at No.5, Wisdom Close, Giwa, Oke Aro, Ogun State, is being tried for reckless driving, manslaughter and having no driving licence.

The Prosecutor, SP. Raji Akeem told the court that the offences were committed on March 6 along Ajao Road, Ikeja.

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Akeem said that the defendant drove in a reckless way and knocked down a 58-year-old pedestrian known as Okeke Anthony.

“The victim was crossing the road when the defendant who was driving without caution knocked him down and after he had hit a stationary car and damaged it.

“The defendant was about to escape when he was apprehended by the passerby,” he said.

The prosecutor said that the pedestrian died at the hospital.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 18, 20 and 28 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State, 2012.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrates, Mrs O. A. Layinka, granted the defendant a bail of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case until June 1 and ordered that the case file be sent to the Director of Public Prosecution for advice.