Truck driver charged with causing pedestrian’s death

A 45-year-old truck driver, Rasaki Ajadi, who allegedly drove a truck recklessly and caused the death of a 28-year-old woman, appeared before an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Friday.

Ajadi, whose residential address was not provided, is standing trial on a four-count charge bordering on reckless driving, driving without a licence, and killing a pedestrian.

The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Nov. 25 on Iyana Ipaja Road by Cement Bus Stop, Lagos State.

According to the prosecutor, the defendant recklessly drove a Scania truck with registration number BDG 617 XY and caused the death of one Helen Popoola.

He said that the defendant drove the truck under the influence of alcohol and without a driver’s licence.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 19(i)(iii) and 20 of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State, 2012, as well as the Federal Road Safety Act of 2017.

The magistrate, Miss K. A. Ariyo, did not take the defendant’s plea but ordered his remand.

She also directed that the case file be duplicated and sent to the Office of the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions for advice.

Ariyo adjourned the case until Jan. 12 for mention.