11th August, 2011
The driver of a Honda Accord saloon car with registration number CF 501 MUS, Mr. Olatunji Mutiu, 30, has been arraigned before the Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria for allegedly causing the death of a boy on a public highway.
He allegedly hit the boy, Tobi Bolarinwa, 10, while driving on the public highway without a driving licence.
He was docked on a three-count charge of manslaughter, driving without licence on the highway and without insurance certificate by Sgt. Olakunle Shonibare.
The prosecutor alleged that on 20 July, at Unity Bus Stop along the Igando-Ikotun Road in the Lagos magisterial district, the accused drove carelessly without paying attention to other road users.
He pleaded not guilty to the charge but the family of the deceased represented by Mr. Isaac Adeniji told the court that they were no longer in prosecuting the matter.
He informed the court that their action was informed by the fact that the father of the deceased died three days before he was knocked down and killed.
We have decided to allow the dead to rest. We are no longer interested in the case,” he stated.
The presiding magistrate M.B. Folabi requested for the death certificate of the boy’s father, his picture when alive and when he died, affidavit and a letter of withdrawal to enable him close the case and discharge the accused.
—Mayowa David