Chrisland School principal, others granted bail

March 30, (THEWILL) – The Principal of Chrisland School, Opebi, Ikeja, Belinda Amao and three other staff, have been admitted to bail by Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court, Ikeja.

THEWILL earlier reported that the four accused including Chrisland School, were arraigned on Thursday, on a two-count charge bordering on involuntary manslaughter and reckless negligent acts over the death of Whitney Adeniran, a 12-year-old pupil of Chrisland School.

According to the charge information signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions, DPP, Dr Babajide Martins, on March 24, the defendants allegedly committed the offence on February 9, 2023, about 1:00 p.m. at the Agege Sports Stadium, Agege, Lagos.

The prosecution said that the defendants negligently killed Adeniran by not ensuring her safety. The state also submitted that the defendants acted in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered human life.

Onigbanjo, while arraigning the defendants, informed the court that the state would be presenting 17 witnesses against the defendants.

“We shall be praying for a date to open trial”, he said.

According to the prosecution, the alleged offence contravened Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants, Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, Nwatu Victoria and Chrisland School, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The defence counsel were Bimpe Ajegbomojon (first defendant), Richard Ahonarougho (SAN), second defendant), Olukayode Enitan, SAN, ( third defendant), Ademola Animashaun (fourth defendant) and Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, (fifth defendant), while Oluwatodimu Ige held brief for the family of the deceased.

The five defence counsel urged the court to grant bail to the defendants on self recognisance.

There was no objections from the prosecution, led by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo (SAN).

Justice Ogala admitted the defendants bail, after defence counsel moved the motion for bail.

Mrs Ogala admitted the first and second defendants to N10 million bail each with two sureties each in like sum

She also admitted the third and the fourth defendants to N20 million bail each with two sureties each in like sum.

The judge said all the sureties must be gainfully employed, have credible and verified evidence of financial status and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

“All the sureties must have two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government and must submit their international passports with th Chief registrar of the state high court”, she ruled.

The court, however, ordered the defence counsel to write an undertaken in order for the defendants to be released to them before the perfection of their bail.

Mrs Ogala subsequently adjourned the case until May 25 for the commencement of trial.