Boat Operator Arraigned In Court After ‘Killing’ 12 Passengers On Board

A boat operator, Happiness Elebiju, was today arraigned  by the Lagos State Government before a High Court in Ikeja for allegedly causing the death of 12 passengers while conveying them to their destination.

It was learnt that the boat had capsized killing twelve people on board, after the wave from a ship which was sailing along the Kirikiri water front affected the boat.

It was further learnt that shortly before the incidence, the 20 passengers who boarded the boat from Kirikiri to Badagry, had a disagreement with Elebiju for insisting that they pay a fare of ₦1,500, instead of the ₦1,200 they normally pay.

The boat captain allegedly switched off the engine of the craft by the waterfront because of the N300 difference in fare.

However, the wave made the boat to drift towards a stationary barge, where it capsized and 12 passengers drowned.

At the proceedings, Elebiju was arraigned on 10 counts bordering on manslaughter before Justice Josephine Oyefeso.

He however pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Mrs. Olayinka Adeyemi, however told the court that two witnesses are present in court to testify against the defendant.

The defence team, led by one Mr Ganiyu urged the court to adjourn the matter to prepare for trial.

He noted that he had just being served the notice in court.

After the submission of the counsel, Justice Oyefeso adjourned the matter till August 27, 2020, for the commencement of trial and ordered the defendant to be remanded in prison custody.