A 35-year old tipper driver, Matthew Iji, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court over alleged reckless driving resulting in the death of two persons.
The defendant was charged with four-counts bordering on dangerous driving, causing death by reckless driving, causing damage to property and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
According to the prosecutor, ASP A. Jejeniwa, the defendant allegedly committed the offences on May 20, 2026, at about 10:35 a.m. along Fasoranti Road, opposite Alagbaka Junction, Akure.
The prosecutor alleged that the defendant, while driving a city-registered MAN diesel tipper, drove on a public highway in a manner dangerous to members of the public and other road users.
Jejeniwa further told the court that the defendant’s reckless driving allegedly caused the death of two persons, identified as Babatunde Michael and Alayi Kazeem.
The prosecution also alleged that the defendant drove the vehicle carelessly and collided with another vehicle, causing damage to it.
According to the prosecutor, the defendant was also alleged to have driven the vehicle on a public highway without a valid driver’s licence.
The offences are said to contravene Sections 18(1), 80 and 81(1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 136, Vol. 3, Laws of Ondo State, Nigeria, 2006.Ondo government updates
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor informed the court that the prosecution would be calling three witnesses and prayed the court for an adjournment to enable it prepare its witnesses for trial.
Counsel to the defendant, Femi Adetoye, prayed the court to grant his client bail, arguing that the offences were bailable and that the defendant remained innocent until proven guilty.
In her ruling, Magistrate T.G. Alphonso granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
The case was thereafter adjourned to June 15, 2026, for hearing.