Whitney Adeniran: Court Grants Chrisland Principal, Others, N30m Bail 

Four members of staff of Chrisland School, Ikeja, who were charged with involuntary manslaughter of a 12-year-old student of the school, Whitney Adeniran, were on Thursday granted bail by an Ikeja High Court.

The Lagos State Government charged Ademoye Adewale, Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao, and Nwatu Victoria with involuntary manslaughter and reckless negligent acts by the Lagos State Government, following the teenager’s death. The Defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Justice Oyindamola Ogala admitted the Defendants to bail, after the defence counsel moved an application for bail dated March 28 and March 29 respectively. There were no objections from the prosecution led by the Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Moyosore Onigbanjo, SAN.

Ogala admitted the 1st and 2nd Defendant to N10 million bail, each with two sureties each in like sum.

She also admitted the 3rd and 4th Defendant to N20 million bail, each with two sureties each in like sum.

The Judge said all the sureties must be gainfully employed, have credible and verified evidence of financial status, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

“All the sureties must have two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government, and must submit their international passports to the Chief Registrar of the State High Court”, Ogala said.

The court also ordered the defence counsel to write an undertaking, in order for the Defendants to be released to them before the perfection of their bail.

The defence counsel are Mrs Bimpe Ajegbomojon (1st Defendant), Richard Ahonarougho, SAN (2nd Defendant), Olukayode Enitan, SAN (3rd Defendant), Ademola Animashaun (4th Defendant) and  Bolaji Ayorinde, SAN (5th Defendant), while Mrs Oluwatodimu Ige held brief for the family of the deceased.

According to the charge information signed by the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, on March 24, the Defendants allegedly committed the offence on February 9, about 1. 00 p.m. in Agege Sports Stadium, Agege, Lagos.

The Prosecution said that the Defendants negligently killed Adeniran, by not ensuring her safety. The State also submitted that, the Defendants acted in a reckless and negligent manner that endangered human life.

Onigbanjo, while arraigning the Defendants, informed the court that the State would be presenting 17 witnesses. He then asked the court for a date to commence trial.

According to the Prosecution, the alleged offence contravened Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Justice Ogala subsequently adjourned the case until May 25 for the commencement of trial.