Whitney Adediran: Lagos state govt to begin trial of Chrisland school, workers today

The Lagos State Government will today March 30 begin the trial of Chrisland School, Opebi, and some employees over the death of one of a former pupil, 12-year-old Whitney Adeniran.

Recall that the late Adeniran died during the school’s inter-house sports at the Agege stadium on February 9. An autopsy carried out by the state government indicated that the late Whitney died from electrocution.

The state government last week released a statement saying a file was subsequently forwarded to the DPP’s Office 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. The DPP said they will be charged with the offenses 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.

Those to be arraigned before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of the Lagos State High Court in Ikeja include Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Mrs. Belinda Amao, Nwatu Ugochi Victoria, and Chrisland School Limited. The defendants are to be tried on a two-count charge bordering on involuntary manslaughter, and reckless and negligent acts contrary to Sections 224 & 251 of the Criminal Law, C17, Vol.3, Laws of Lagos State filed by the state.

The DPP, Dr Babajide Martins, leading other lawyers, will prosecute the case on behalf of the state while the counsel to the defendants will include Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN, Yele Delano, SAN, Richard Ahonaruogho, SAN and Kayode Enitan,SAN.