Lagos to charge driver involved in train accident with manslaughter

Lagos State Government says it will charge for manslaughter driver of its staff bus involved in a train accident that resulted in the death of six people.

The state Ministry of Justice however said the arraignment would be delayed until the driver, Oluwaseun Osinbajo, had fully recovered having sustained serious injury from the accident.

In a statement on Friday, Director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Grace Alo, said a case of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm had been established against the driver.

The statement read in part, “The horrific incident which involved LASG staff heading to work in the staff bus and passengers of the train resulted in six fatalities with about 96 others with various degrees of injuries.

“The injured victims were hospitalised across many government hospitals in the state.

“The driver of the staff bus on the fateful day was apprehended and handed over to the Police for investigation and possible prosecution by the state.

“At the end of investigation, the casefile was forwarded to the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) for further statutory actions.

“Upon the receipt and review of the case file by the Department of Public Prosecution (DPP), a prima facie case of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm were disclosed against the driver of the staff bus.

“Accordingly, he is to be charged with six counts of manslaughter and 10 counts of grievous bodily harm.

“Both offences are contrary to Sections 224 and 245 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.”

Alo added that the Office of the DPP would immediately file charges against the driver.

It was learnt that the driver’s arraignment before an Ikeja high court would be delayed until he is fully fit to stand trial.