An Ikeja High Court on Thursday admitted four staff members of Chrisland School Ikeja, to post bail for the alleged manslaughter of a 12-year-old student, Whitney Adeniran.
The Lagos state government charged Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao and Nwatu Victoria with manslaughter and reckless negligence.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Nigerian News Agency (YAYA) reports that Judge Oyindamola Ogala admitted the defendants on bail after the defense attorney filed the bail motion dated March 28 and 29 respectively.
There were no objections from the prosecution, headed by Lagos State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo.
Ms Ogala admitted the first and second defendants to bail of N10 million each with two sureties each in the same sum.
It also admitted the third and fourth defendants to bail of N20 million each with two sureties each in the same sum.
Bond Requirements
The judge said that all collateral must be gainfully employed, have credible and verified evidence of source of life, and reside within the jurisdiction of the court.
“All collaterals must have two years of tax payment to the Lagos State government and must present their international passports to the chief clerk of the state high court,” said Ms Ogala.
The court, however, ordered the defense to write an undertaking that the defendants be released to them before their bail was perfected.
team of defense attorneys
The team of defense lawyers is composed of Bimpe Ajegbomojon (first accused), Richard Ahonarougho (second accused), Olukayode Enitan (third accused), Ademola Animashaun (fourth accused) and Bolaji Ayorinde (fifth accused), while Oluwatodimu Ige defended the family of the deceased .
The five defense attorneys urged the court to grant the defendants bail on their own recognizance.
Background
NAN reports that according to the charging information signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Babajide Martins, on March 24, the defendants allegedly committed the crime on February 9, around 1:00 p.m. at Agege Sports Stadium, Agege, Lagos. .
The prosecution said the defendants killed Adeniran out of negligence by failing to ensure his safety.
The state also claimed that the defendants acted in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered human life.
Mr. Onigbanjo, while prosecuting the defendants, informed the court that the state would present 17 witnesses against the defendants.
ALSO READ: Student death: After parent appeal, Lagos reopens Chrisland school
“We will be praying for a date to open the trial,” he said.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offense contravened Sections 224 and 251 of the Lagos State Penal Laws 2015.
Subsequently, Ms. Ogala adjourned the case until May 25 for the start of the trial.
