Truck driver arraigned for manslaughter in Badagry

A 40-year-old truck driver, Joseph Salako, was on Friday arraigned before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court over the alleged reckless driving that claimed the life of a 16-year-old girl.

Salako, whose residential address was not disclosed, is facing two counts of manslaughter and reckless driving.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

According to the prosecutor, ASP Edet Ekpo, the incident occurred on July 19 at about 3:30 p.m. at Atura Bus Stop along the Lagos-Badagry Expressway.

Ekpo alleged that Salako drove a Volkswagen truck, registration number DED 975 XB, in a dangerous manner against traffic, resulting in the death of Miss Barakat Abdullahi.

The offences, the prosecutor said, contravene Sections 2 and 20 of the Road Traffic Act (RTA), Cap. 2012, Laws of Lagos State.

Chief Magistrate Nurudeen Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦2 million, with two sureties in like sum.

One of the sureties must be a community leader or a pastor residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned to August 29 for mention.