Ex-KAI Boss’ Wife Remanded For Manslaughter

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ebute Meta, Lagos, Southwest Nigeria, has remanded a businesswoman, Alhaja Rabiatu Oyenuga, for allegedly killing two children of the same parents with her car.

Rabiatu, wife of former KAI Marshall, Mr. Kehinde Oyenuga, was said to be driving a Mercury four-wheel car marked LAGOS FR 902 LND, with a learner’s tag on Patience Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos, when she knocked down and killed the two kids, whose names were given as David Lawani aged four years and Tobiloba, four months.

The mother of the deceased, Mrs. Ibiyemi Lawani, was also said to have been seriously injured and is currently receiving treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The driver was said to have hit a commercial tricycle popularly known as Keke Marwa with registration number LAGOS QL 724 KRD, before knocking down Lawani’s family.

She was arraigned on a five-count charge of dangerous driving, unlawful damage, reckless driving leading to the death of the two kids and inflicting bodily harm.

The prosecuting police officer, Mr. Emmanuel Essien, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the offences are punishable under Sections 28(1), 27, 27,28 and 23 of RTA Cap. 124, Vol. 6, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

Rabiatu pleaded not guilty to all the charges and Mr. M.O. Olubi, the presiding magistrate, granted her bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties, who must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State government, means of livelihood and reside within the magisterial district.

The case has been adjourned till 26 October, 2011 for mention.

—Paul Sanusi