Osun: Court remands bus driver over death of university students
By Deborah Oladejo, Osogbo
An Osogbo Magistrate’s Court has ordered the remand of a 35-year-old luxury bus driver, Ibrahim Muntari, for his alleged involvement in the tragic accident that claimed the lives of five students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) and others in Ikire.
The accident, which occurred on March 23, 2025, involved a luxury bus belonging to Silver Luxury Travels and Freight and a commercial bus with registration number OYO GHD 499 XA. It resulted in the death of six people, including the UNIOSUN students.
The deceased were identified as Olagbemide Olaoluwadotun, Funmilola Mary Olawuyi, Ogundare Oluwapelumi Rhoda, Ogundare Ayomide, Farooq Suleiman, and others whose identities are yet to be confirmed.
Muntari was accused of driving the luxury bus, registered as LAGOS EPE 796 VH, without a valid driver’s license, roadworthiness certificate, or vehicle insurance at the time of the accident.
The prosecution filed an eight-count charge against him, including reckless driving, causing death by dangerous driving, and violating traffic regulations. However, Muntari pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Police prosecutor, ASP Akintunde Jacob, told the court that Muntari drove dangerously on a public highway, leading to the deaths of six people and injuring four others.
The defense counsel, Shaibu Gomina, applied for his client’s bail, but the court denied the request.
Presiding Magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara, adjourned the case till June 2, 2025, and ordered that Muntari be remanded in custody.
