Truck driver arraigned over death of 3 passengers on Christmas day

A truck driver, Ganiyu Hammed, on Friday appeared before a Surulere Magistrates' Court, Lagos, charged with causing the death of three persons on Christmas day.

Hammed, who resides at No. 18, Bale St., Ijora Badia, Lagos, is facing a four-count charge of dangerous driving, damage, causing injury and causing death.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Jimah Iseghede, said that the accused, on Dec. 25, 2013, caused the death of a 13-year-old child and two other persons at the Alaba Bus Stop on the Lagos- Badagry Highway.

He told the court that the accused, while driving his Fiat T3 truck with registration number AY 792 SMK, ran into a Volkswagen LT bus and caused the death of three passengers.

Iseghede said that a woman was also injured in the accident and was receiving treatment at a General Hospital.

The prosecutor said that the accused also damaged the Volkswagen LT bus with registration number. MUS 975 XC.

According to him, the offences contravene Sections 19, 26 and 20 of the Road Traffic Act.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.F. Adeeyo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She adjourned the case to Feb. 2 for mention. (NAN)