Lagos State Government has vowed to arrest and prosecute the driver and owner of a truck, which container fell on a commercial bus, killing two passengers and injuring three others on July twenty-six.

Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo revealed this during a condolence visit to the family of one of the victims, Chidinma Ajoku.

He told the deceased’s Mum, Chineze Ajoku that the Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu felt her pain and would do everything to ensure the family gets justice.

The late Chidinma, an employee of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, was killed alongside her colleague when a container fell on a commercial bus they were in at Ilasamaja area of the state.

The Lagos State Government represented by the State Attorney General & Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo SAN, on Wednesday and Thursday respectively payed condolence visits to the families of the two deceased victims, Chidinma Ajoku, 27, and Chima Nnaekpe 29, killed by a fallen container truck at Ilasamaja bus stop along Oshodi-Apapa expressway.

Onigbanjo, during his visit to the victim’s families assured of the State Government’s support towards getting Justice for the bereaved families.

Onigbanjo who described the incident as unfortunate and avoided, disclosed that “Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has directed the Commissioner of Police to commence  investigation of the incident”.

“Be rest assured that Justice will be served and the perpetrators would be brought to book”.

While sympathizing with the families, the Attorney-General disclosed that the prosecution of the case will be handled by him to ensure that the death of Chidinma and her colleague Chima are not in vain.

“We deeply sympathize with you on your great lose, we pray the Almighty God grant you strength and console you at this trying times. Be assured that my team and I will be leading the prosecution of this case before the court and ensure that Justice is served appropriately “.

He added that Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed sadness on the loss of the two families and vowed to put an end to reckless driving on Lagos roads.

“Governor Sanwo-Olu is deeply sad about the incidence and we have resolved that enough is enough, we will not allow reckless drivers on the road to continue to take innocent lives in Lagos State.”

While assuring the victims’families of the state government support, the Attorney General promised to brief the families at every stage of the investigation and prosecution process.

Responding to the visit, Chidinma’s mother, Mrs. Ajoku expressed gratitude to the state government on the condolence visit, saying she was overwhelmed by the good gesture.

While applauding the steps taken by the Governor, she expressed confidence that a proper investigation will indeed be carried out on the death of her daughter.

Mrs. Ajoku, who further expressed her fear for the lives of other citizens on the roads, pleaded with the Governor to step in, by enforcing the laws against reckless driving on the road.

“The killer of my daughter needs to be prosecuted to serve as deterrent to other reckless drivers on Lagos roads” she added

Also, Chima’s father, Mr. Onyekwere Nnaekpe who responded to the visit appreciated Governor Sanwo-Olu’s show of concern, saying we are moved and pleased by the concern shown by government.

He, however, implored the government to hasten the formulation of stiffer penalties for reckless driving of trucks and trailers to guard against future occurrence of such incident.

Late Chidinma and Chima were staff of the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria, FAAN. The duo boarded a commercial bus from Airport road to Mile two after the close of work on July 26.

It was gathered that the commercial bus driver had stopped at Ilasa bus-stop to either pick passengers when a 20ft container fell off a moving truck and landed on the commercial vehicle.

Chidinma and Chima died on the spot.

Kayode Oyekanmi
Director, Public Affairs
6th August, 2020.