Train/Bus collision: BRT driver to face manslaughter charge

The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has set up plans to prosecute Oluwaseun Osibanjo, the driver of the BRT bus that collided with a moving train in Lagos with a 16-count charge of manslaughter and grievous bodily harm.

According to a statement signed on Friday by the director of Public Affairs in the ministry, Grace Alo, the horrific incident which involved Lagos State Government staff heading to work in the staff bus and passengers of the train, resulted in six fatalities.

“About 96 others are with various degrees of injuries and the injured victims are hospitalized across many government hospitals in the state,” said the statement.

The News Agency of Nigeria recalls that on the morning of March 9, a staff bus collided with a train at the PWD railway crossing at Ikeja and the train dragged the bus with its passengers along the tracks until it came to a stop at Sogunle, a suburb of Ikeja.

“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 6 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,” the statement read.

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

However, his arraignment before the Ikeja High Court would be delayed until he is fully fit to stand trial, having sustained serious injuries during the accident.