The Chrisland School Ltd and four staff members were on Thursday March 30, 2023 arraigned for alleged manslaughter of 12-year-old student, Whitney Adeniran.
The Lagos State Department of Public Prosecution (DPP) arraigned the school, Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, and Nwatu Ugochi Victoria on a two-count charge of manslaughter and negligent acts.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them.
They were arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Ikeja High Court.
Justice Ogala admitted the defendants to bail, after defence counsel moved the motion for bail dated March 28 and March 29 respectively.
There were no objections from the prosecution, led by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN).
Ogala admitted the first and second defendants to N10 million bail each with two sureties each in like sum
She also admitted the third and the fourth defendants to N20 million bail each with two sureties each in like sum.
The judge said all the sureties must be gainfully employed, have credible and verified evidence of financial status and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
“All the sureties must have two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government and must submit their international passports with the Chief registrar of the State High Court,” Ogala said.
The court, however, ordered the defence counsel to write an undertaken in order for the defendants to be released to them before the perfection of their bail.
According to the charge information signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr. Babajide Martins, on March 24, the defendants allegedly committed the offence on February 9 at about 1p.m. in Agege Sports Stadium, Agege, Lagos.
The prosecution said that the defendants negligently killed Adeniran by not ensuring her safety.
The state also submitted that the defendants acted in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered human life.
Onigbanjo, while arraigning the defendants, informed the court that the state would be presenting 17 witnesses against the defendants.
“We shall be praying for a date to open trial,” he said.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravened Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Ogala subsequently adjourned the case until May 25 for the commencement of trial.
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