A motorist identified as Isiaka Afolabi has been arraigned before the Badagry Magistrates' Court in Lagos on charges of manslaughter following a fatal road incident that claimed the life of a 14-year-old boy.
According to Police Prosecutor Inspector Edet Ekpo, the incident occurred on April 22 at approximately 3:30 p.m. in the Badagry area. Afolabi was allegedly driving a sport utility vehicle (SUV) with registration number AGL 122 BJ when he struck the teenage victim, causing immediate death.
Inspector Ekpo informed the court that the defendant operated the vehicle on a public highway in a manner deemed dangerous and showing blatant disregard for the safety of other road users. The alleged offense violates Sections 27 and 19 of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 124, Laws of Lagos State.
Court Proceedings and Bail Conditions
When the charge was read to him in court, Afolabi pleaded not guilty. Presiding Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦1,000,000, with two sureties required to provide the same amount.
The court stipulated that the sureties must reside within its jurisdiction and provide evidence of gainful employment. The case has been adjourned to July 9 for further proceedings.
This case highlights ongoing concerns about road safety in Lagos, particularly regarding vulnerable road users such as pedestrians and children. Road traffic accidents remain a significant cause of preventable deaths in Nigeria's urban centers.
Follow BenriNews for updates on this developing story.
Stay connected with BenriNews for the latest updates:
