Ondo driver arraigned over VIO’s death, faces manslaughter charge

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 35-year-old driver, Idowu Ayoade, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court in Ondo State over the death of a Vehicle Inspection Officer, Sesan Adediji, in a road accident.

Ayoade faces three charges bordering on reckless driving and unlawful killing under the state’s traffic law and Criminal Code. The case stems from an incident on Hospital Road, Akure, on October 9, 2020.

Police prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, alleged that the defendant recklessly drove a white mini-truck with registration number AGL 092 XX at about 9 a.m., endangering members of the public and causing Adediji’s death while he was reportedly on official duty.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand Ayoade in a correctional facility pending legal advice from the director of Public Prosecutions. However, defence counsel, O.F. Umaru, challenged the third count, arguing that it amounted to double jeopardy because another charge already addressed the alleged death.

Umaru argued that the prosecution must establish that the defendant’s driving caused the death rather than accuse him of wilful killing. He also alleged that the additional charge was intended to punish his client unjustly and said settlement discussions with the deceased’s family were ongoing, with the family reportedly not opposed to the arrangement.

In response, Akintimehin maintained that the prosecution was entitled to bring charges under both traffic and criminal laws. He urged the court to allow the legal issues to be determined at the appropriate stage and said the police could provide the case file, VIO report and other documents supporting the charges.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Sunday Adedapo held that the prosecution had the right to establish its case but noted that the defence had not substantiated its allegation of malicious intent. He added that the matter was not before the court for trial and fell outside its competence at that stage.

The defence subsequently requested time to file a counter-affidavit in response to the remand application. The court adjourned the case until October 26, 2026, for the filing of the counter-affidavit.