By Akinsuroju Olubunmi,
Driver jailed for killing LASTMA officer
A Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has sentenced commercial bus driver Elijah Shokoya to 12 years in prison for the manslaughter of a Lagos State Traffic Management Agency officer.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala found Shokoya guilty of causing the death of LASTMA officer Olawale Akinmade on January 27, 2012. The court concluded that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that Shokoya’s actions directly led to Akinmade’s death.
“The prosecution has established beyond reasonable doubt that the deceased died, that the unlawful acts of Shokoya caused the death, and that Shokoya knew his actions would likely result in injury or grievous bodily harm,” said Justice Ogala.
The Lagos State Government charged Shokoya with knocking down Akinmade with his Opel space bus while Akinmade was managing traffic. The incident occurred at Demurin Street junction, inward Mile 12, resulting in fatal injuries to Akinmade’s head and body.
The prosecution argued that Shokoya’s actions violated Section 224 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, punishable under Section 229. Shokoya was arraigned nine years later on June 23, 2021, and pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In her judgment, Justice Ogala emphasized that the prosecution successfully proved the charge of involuntary manslaughter against Shokoya. She noted that in criminal cases, the burden of proof lies with the prosecution and must be beyond reasonable doubt.
Testimonies from witnesses, including Aderonke Malik, who saw Shokoya push Akinmade in front of his vehicle, supported the prosecution’s case. Malik testified that she tried to stop Shokoya, but he continued until Akinmade was knocked down.
The court also considered the direct evidence provided by the Investigating Police Officer. Justice Ogala highlighted that proof beyond reasonable doubt does not mean eliminating all possible doubts but requires a high degree of probability.
“Once the ingredients of the offence are proved, it constitutes proof beyond reasonable doubt,” Justice Ogala stated. “The court finds Elijah Shokoya guilty of involuntary manslaughter and sentences him to 12 years imprisonment from the day of judgment.”
Driver jailed for killing LASTMA officer