Mechanic, docked for alleged manslaughter

A 33-year old auto mechanic, Ahmed Semiu, on Friday appeared before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged manslaughter.

Semiu, who resides at No. 8 Ajilola St., Ile-Iwe, Meiran Ajasa in Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of reckless driving, manslaughter and lack of a driver licence.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court that the crime was committed on Dec.10 at about 6.00 p.m. along Powerline Road, Meiran Ajasa, Lagos.

He said that the accused drove a Chevrolet bus on a public highway in a dangerous and reckless manner.

“The accused, while trying to reverse without checking properly, hit the shop of one Mr Kazeem Adigun’s wife and also knocked down her child.

“The child was rushed to the general hospital by his uncle, one Tunde Omidiji, for treatment, but he later died,” Ayorinde said.

He said that the offences contravened Sections 7, 19 and 20 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2011.

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

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope, granted the accused bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Awope also ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed in Lagos.

She directed that the case file should be duplicated and sent to the State Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPPs) for legal advice.

Awope adjourned the case till Jan. 29, 2016 for mention.