Lagos State Department of Public Prosecution, DPP, has arraigned Chrisland School Limited and four members of its staff for alleged manslaughter of one of it students, 12-year-old student, Whitney Adeniran.
Adeniran slumped on February 9 during the school’s Inter-house Sports at Agege Sports Stadium and was subsequently rushed to Agege Central Hospital, Agege, Lagos where she was confirmed “brought in dead” (BID) by the doctor on duty.
Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, Nwatu Victoria were charged with manslaughter and negligent acts during the arraignment.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge after it was read to them.
They were arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Ikeja High Court.
Indication that they were going to be arraigned soon emerged last week when Lagos State Ministry of Justice made the announcement on its website.
A prima facie case of involuntary manslaughter and reckless and negligent acts was said to have been established against the school, some members of staff and one of the vendors, hence they would be so charged.
The statement reads:
“On the 9th of February 2023, Whitney Omodesola Adeniran a Student of Chrisland High School, Ikeja aged 12 years, slumped during the Inter-house Sports organized by the School at the Agege Sports Stadium and was subsequently rushed to Agege Central Hospital, Agege, Lagos where she was confirmed “brought in dead” (BID) by the doctor on duty.
“The case was referred to the Nigerian Police Force which carried out thorough investigation with the help of other agencies.
“The file was subsequently forwarded to the DPP’s Office on Monday 20th March, 2023 for review of the duplicate case file. On the 23rd of March, 2023, the DPP issued his Legal Advice and came to the conclusion that a prima facie case of Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless and Negligent Acts had been established against the School, some members of Staff and one of the Vendors. They will therefore be charged with the offences of Involuntary Manslaughter and Reckless and Negligent Acts contrary to Sections 224 & 251of the Criminal Law, Ch C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
“Information will be filed in accordance with the legal advice issued by the DPP. Certified True Copies of the Legal advice is available on the Ministry of Justice website (www.lagosstatemoj.org.).”
