Rita Odafe
A bus driver named Elijah Shokoya was handed a 12-year prison sentence by the Lagos High Court in Ikeja for causing the death of a Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) officer.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala pronounced the sentence after determining that the prosecution, the Lagos State Government, had proven without a doubt the charge of manslaughter against Shokoya concerning the death of LASTMA officer Olawale Akinmade on January 27, 2012.
The judge stated, “The prosecution has convincingly shown that the defendant’s actions resulted in the death of the deceased and that the defendant was aware that causing injury or bodily harm was a likely consequence.“
The Lagos State government accused Shokoya of hitting Akinmade with his blue and black Opel space bus bearing number plate AAA 74 GG while the officer was managing traffic, leading to injuries to his head and body.
The prosecution asserted that the incident occurred at Demurin Street junction towards the Mile 12 area of Lagos, which violated Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, and was punishable under Section 229.
The defendant entered a plea of not guilty to the charge when arraigned on June 23, 2021.
Justice Ogala emphasized that the key issue to resolve was whether the evidence presented by the prosecution established the charge of involuntary manslaughter against the defendant to warrant a conviction.
The judge stressed the legal principle that the burden of proof in criminal cases lies with the prosecution and must meet the standard of proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
She remarked, “There is no dispute regarding the death of Akinmade Samson Olawale.“
The first prosecution witness, Aderonke Malik, testified that she saw the defendant shoving the deceased in front of his vehicle and despite her pleas for him to stop, he continued until hitting the deceased.
“The Investigating Police Officer provided direct evidence of her observations and findings. The court finds this evidence to be credible and solid, dismissing the defense’s objections,” she added.
Justice Ogala explained that proof beyond reasonable doubt does not necessitate absolute certainty but a high level of probability.
She concluded, “Once the elements of the alleged offense are proven, this constitutes proof beyond a reasonable doubt, leading to the defendant’s conviction. The doubt must be genuine and reasonable based on evidence presented in court.“
Consequently, the court found the defendant guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentenced him to 12 years in prison starting from the day of the judgment.
