The police command in Osun, on Wednesday, arraigned two drivers before a magistrates’ court in Osogbo for alleged manslaughter.

The drivers, Jimoh Jelili and Ezekiel Adebayo were said to have driven their vehicles with number plates: LSR 304 HW (Lexus SUV) and APP 834 XT (Mazda) in a dangerous manner, leading to the death of the passengers.

No fewer than 16 people were burnt to death when a commercial bus from Osogbo collided with a private vehicle at Ode-Omu, Osun, on April 28.

The police prosecutor, Insp Jacob Akintunde, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on April 28 at about 6:15 p.m. around Ode-Omu market in Osun.

Mr Akintunde said the defendants dangerously drove their vehicles on the highway without obeying road safety regulations, causing injuries to some victims who survived the accident and were still on hospital admission.

The offences, according to him, contravened section 27 of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 548, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria and Section 18, Cap 146, Vol. 2, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge of dangerous driving and manslaughter.

The defendants’ counsel, Tajudeen Idowu and I. Nwoke prayed the court to grant their clients bail in the most liberal terms.

The magistrate, O. Ayilara, granted the defendants N500,000 bail with one surety each in like sum.

Mr Ayilara said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, with evidence of tax payment and passport-sized photographs attached with affidavits of means.

He said that the police must also verify their residential addresses.

The magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the case till July 6 for mention.

(NAN)