Alleged reckless driver charged with causing death of tricycle rider

The police in Lagos on Friday arraigned a 35-year-old businessman, Surajudeen Tijani, who allegedly drove recklessly and hit a tricycle rider to death.

Tijani appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of dangerous driving, manslaughter and driving without licence.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, however, pleaded not guilty.

According to the prosecutor, Insp Friday Ekundayo, Tijani committed the offences on Oct. 12 at 11:30 a.m. on Tunji Shokefun Avenue, Igbogbo, Ikorodu.

The prosecutor said that the defendant dangerously drove a Mercedes Benz truck with registration number JJJ 678 KJ on a public highway and caused the death of a 55-year-old tricycle rider, Mr Olufemi Ayanjinrin.

The prosecutor added that the defendant damaged the tricycle with registration number LSR 727KQ through reckless driving.

According to him, the alleged offences contravene Sections 50(1), 51(1) and 52 of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2018, and Schedule (111) of the Road Traffic Law of Lagos State, 2012.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.R. Onilogbo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of one million naira with two sureties in like sum.

Onilogbo ordered that the sureties must have evidence two years’ tax payment to Lagos state Government.

She adjourned the case until Dec. 16 for mention.