Driver remanded for UNIOSUN students, others’ death

An Osogbo Chief Magistrate Court, on Wednesday, remanded one Ibrahim Muntari, in Ilesa Correctional Centre for allegedly causing the death of commuters in a road accident that occurred along the Ife/Ibadan expressway.

The PUNCH had earlier reported that five students of Osun State University, Osogbo, alongside other passengers, lost their lives in the accident that occurred last Sunday in Ikire.

The accident involved a bus that the defendant drove, heading towards the Ibadan end of the dual carriageway and an 18-passenger bus, conveying the deceased, going towards the Ibadan end.

UNIOSUN students who died in the road accident include Olagbemide Olaoluwadotun, Funmilola Mary Olawuyi, Ogundare Oluwapelumi Rhoda, Ogundare Ayomide, and Farooq Suleiman.

Appearing before a magistrate on Wednesday, Olusegun Ayilara, the defendant, was arraigned on eight counts of reckless driving that caused death, violation of traffic rules and driving without valid vehicle papers.

The offences committed were said to be contrary to and punishable under section 27 of the RTA CAP 584 laws of Nigeria, section 18 (b) CAP 115 laws of Osun State of Nigeria and section 18 of Cap 146 Vol II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

The defendant, in his plea, pleaded not guilty to all the charges pressed against him by the police.

Addressing the court, the prosecutor, Jacob Akintunde, said that “on the day the accident occurred, Muntari drove a bus with the registration number LAGOS EPE 796 VH on the public highway in a manner that was dangerous to the public and caused the death of six people and injured four others.”

But the defence counsel, Shaibu Gomina, who had earlier announced appearance for Muntari, urged the court to admit his client to bail.

owever, in his ruling, Magistrate Ayilara remanded the defendant to Ilesa Correctional Centre and adjourned the matter till June 2, 2025.