A Magistrate’s Court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State, has ordered the remand of a 35-year-old driver, Ibrahim Muntari, at the Ilesa Correctional Centre for allegedly causing the deaths of six students of Osun State University (UNIOSUN) through reckless driving.
The police prosecutor, Akintunde Jacob, told the court that Muntari drove in a dangerous manner, resulting in the deaths of the students and causing severe injuries to four others.
The charge sheet reads in part:
“That you, Ibrahim Muntari, on March 23, 2024, at about 2:30 p.m., at Balogun Area, Ikire, Osun State, in the Ikire Magisterial District, while driving a luxurious bus with registration number EPE 796 YH, operated the vehicle on a public highway in a manner dangerous to the public, thereby committing an offense contrary to and punishable under Section 18 of Cap 146 Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.”
It further stated that his reckless driving led to the deaths of six individuals, including:
1. Late Olagbemide Olaoluwadotun – Department of Software Engineering, Osun State University, Osogbo
2. Late Funmilola Mary Oyawuyi – Member, Word of Life Tabernacle, Sango, Eleyele, Ibadan
3. Late Ogundare Oluwapelumi Rhoda, 23 – Department of Software Engineering, Osun State University
4. Late Ogundare Ayomide, 19 – Department of Medical Health, Osun State University
5. Two other victims whose names and addresses remain unknown
The prosecution alleged that the defendant also caused serious injuries to four unidentified victims, violating Section 18(b) Cap 115, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria.
Muntari pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge, which includes reckless driving, driving without a valid vehicle license, lack of roadworthiness certification, and driving without insurance.
His counsel, Gomina Suaibu, pleaded with the court to grant him bail on the most liberal terms, assuring that he would stand trial if released.
However, Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara directed the defense to file a formal bail application and ordered Muntari’s remand at the Ilesa Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned until June 2 for hearing.
