Driver, Owner Of Vehicle That Killed Flying Officer Arotile, Arraigned

Driver, Owner Of Vehicle That Killed Flying Officer Arotile, Arraigned

Nehemiah Adejo and David Adejo, the driver and owner of the vehicle that killed Nigeria’s first female combat helicopter pilot, Flying Officer Tolulope Arotile, in a crash at the Nigerian Air Force Base, Kaduna have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in the state.

The Police arraigned the duo before the Magistrate Court on four counts charges of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, driving without a drivers license and driving without authorisation of the owner, and one count charged of negligent conduct while causing danger to person and property.

The Chief Magistrate, Emmanuel Benjamin, after hearing arguments from counsels of defendants, Nehemiah Adejo, David Adejo, and Prosecutor, DSP Martins Leo, granted bail of N1 million to Nehemiah and David.

The Magistrate, who adjourned the case to 24 and 25 of August, ordered both defendants to produce two sureties each who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and are engaged in legal businesses and present a Bank Verification Number that corresponds with their information.

The prosecution counsel charged Nehemiah with a four-count charge of causing death by dangerous driving, driving without due care and attention, driving without a drivers licence and driving without authorisation of the owner. He however pleaded not guilty.

Also, David was charged with alleged negligent conduct while causing danger to person and property, an allegation he also denied.

The prosecution counsel had prayed the court allowed Nehemiah to be remanded, arguing there is a pending investigation of culpable homicide against him.

However, counsel to Nehemiah, Aliyu Ibrahim Omachi, argued for bail on the basis that he is a first-time offender and has spent more than 4 weeks in detention.