By Ayodele Popoola
A 73-year old driver, Tope Olaiya, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court, for allegedly killing a motorcyclist through reckless driving on the highway.
Olaiya is facing a four-count charge bordering on manslaughter and reckless driving.
The prosecutor, Inspector Taiwo Oniyere, informed the court that the defendant committed the offences on August 20, at about 7:00 a.m. near SK Bright Filling Station, Araromi Junction, Akure.
According to Oniyere, the defendant drove a black Honda Accord CR-V Jeep with number plate EW 960 EKY recklessly and dangerously, leading to the death of 32-year old motorcyclist, Taiwo Tope Ojo.
The prosecutor added that the crash also damaged to a black Suzuki Power Bike with number plate LAG TY, belonging to the deceased.
He further alleged that Olaiya was driving without a valid driver’s licence at the time of the incident.
Oniyere said the offences contravened Sections 18 and 7(1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 136, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
Counsel to the defendant, Segun Oni, urged the court to grant his client bail in liberal terms, assuring that Olaiya would appear for trial.
In her ruling, Chief Magistrate Olateju Odenusi-Fadeyi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦1,000,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate adjourned the case to December 11, 2025, for further hearing and directed that the case file be forwarded to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.