Boat Captain Arraigned over Death of 12 Passengers

A boat operator, Happiness Elebiju, has been arraigned, before a High Court in Ikeja by the Lagos State Government for allegedly causing the death of 12 passengers while conveying them to their destination.

It had earlier been reported how the victims were said to have drowned after the wave of a ship sailing along the Kirikiri waterfront made the boat to capsize.

According to the report, it was gathered that 20 passengers boarded the boat from Kirikiri to Badagry, but while on the way, the passengers disagreed with Elebiju when he indicated that the fare was N1,500, and they insisted on paying N1,200, but the boat captain allegedly switched off the engine of the craft by the waterfront because of the N300 difference in fare.

It was, however, disclosed that the wave made the boat to drift towards a stationary barge, where it capsized and 12 passengers drowned.

Elebiju at the Monday proceedings was arraigned on 10 counts bordering on manslaughter before Justice Josephine Oyefeso.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Following the plea of the defendant, the Director of Public Prosecution, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, told the court that two witnesses are present in court to testify against the defendant.

However, Mr. Ganiyu who led the defense team urged the court to adjourn the matter to prepare for trial on the ground that he was just being served the notice in court.

Justice Oyefeso adjourned the matter till August 27, 2020, after the submission of the counsel, for the commencement of trial and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.