Ebenezer Oluwaseyi, 22, on Wednesday appeared before the Isabo Magistrates’ Court in Abeokuta over the alleged death of a dispatch rider.

The defendant faces a four-count charge bordering on murder, damage to property, reckless driving and driving without a valid licence.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Evelyn Motim, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Saturday at about 4:20 p.m. in front of the MKO Abiola Stadium, Kuto, in Abeokuta.

Ms Motim alleged that Mr Oluwaseyi, while driving an unregistered 2007 Lexus ES 350, drove recklessly on the highway and hit a motorcycle ridden by Mayowa Afinni, resulting in the rider’s death.

She said the deceased, a dispatch rider, was on a Qlink motorcycle with registration number LAG EKY 739 QW when the incident occurred.

Ms Motim said Mr Oluwaseyi’s reckless driving damaged the motorcycle beyond repair. The bike belonged to Ogunyemi Oluwatimileyin.

The prosecutor further alleged that Mr Oluwaseyi was driving without a valid driver’s license, thereby endangering the lives of other road users.

“This act of negligence and reckless driving should not be tolerated by anyone,” she said.

She said the incident was reported to the police, who subsequently arrested the defendant.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 5, 6, 7 and 10 of Act Cap: F:13 Laws of the Federation applicable in Ogun 2004.

The magistrate, O.O Sam-Obaleye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties in like sum, who must be registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.

Ms Obaleye ordered that Mr Oluwaseyi be remanded at the Ibara Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

She adjourned the case until September 28 for hearing.

(NAN)