The Lagos state government has arraigned Chrisland Schools, three staff of the school and a vendor before an Ikeja High Court over the death of a 12-year-old student of the school, Whitney Omodesola Adeniran.
The 1st to 5th defendants who were arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala are, Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, Nwatu Ugochi Victoria, and Chrisland Schools Limited.
The state’s Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN) and Director, Department of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Jide Martins led the Prosecuting team.
The 1st to 5th defendants were represented by Mrs Bimpe Ajegbomogun, Richard Ahonaruogho (SAN), Olukayode Enitan (SAN), Ademola Animashaun, and Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN).
Oluwatodimu Ige held a watching brief for the family of the deceased student.
The defendants were arraigned on a two-count charge offence bordering on alleged involuntary manslaughter; and reckless and negligent acts contrary to Sections 224 & 251 of the Criminal Law, C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State filed by the state.
They all pleaded not guilty to the two count charges.
After taking their pleas, Mr Onigbanjo (SAN) informed the court that the prosecution has 17 witnesses to prove its case against the defendants.
He prayed the court for a date to open his case against the defendants.
After the arraignment, all The counsel applied to the court for the bail of the defendants.
In his response, The AG told the court that the prosecution was not opposed to the variously bail applications but added that the terms should be such that would make the defendants come for their trial.
Justice Ogala granted bail to the 1st and 2nd defendants in the sum of N10 million each with two sureties in like sum while the 3rd and 4th defendants were granted bail in the sum of N20 million each also with two sureties in the sum of N10 million each.
She ordered that all the sureties must reside within jurisdiction of the court, provide proof of financial status and three years tax payment to the state government while they must also deposit their international passports with the chief registrar of the court.
She also ordered that the residences of the sureties must be verified. During Thursday’s trial, the 3rd defendant, Belinda Amao, broke down in tears, whilst in the dock, and had to be pacified by other defendants, before the trial could resume.
Justice Ogala adjourned trial till May 25, April 1, 8, and 15. Whitney Adeniran slumped on February 9 during the Inter-house Sports organised by the School and held at the Agege Sports Stadium.
She was rushed to Agege Central Hospital, Agege, Lagos, where she was confirmed as “brought in dead” (BID) by the doctor on duty.
