#InCaseYouMissedIt: LASTMA drops manslaughter charges against Yinka Johnson

by Isi Esene

Yinka Johnson, the banker who was earlier accused by the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) of running over one of its employees, Hammed Balogun, was arraigned yesterday at the Igbosere Magistrate Court on a one count charge of reckless driving, and not manslaughter as earlier proposed.

YNaija had, before the arraignment, exclusively reported the sudden change of strategy by the police prosecutors who observers believe are finding it rather challenging to pursue a manslaughter charge against the accused due to the groundswell of opposing witness accounts of the said incident.

Many believe the viral #SaveYinkaJohnson campaign across social media played a huge part in the turnaround.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Agoi Oluwagbemileke said the accused, Yinka Jonson, was arrested on Friday, August 10 for driving recklessly against traffic without regard for other road users.

He said, “The accused refused to obey government officials who were trying to stop her from taking the road.”

Emeka Okpoko, who represented Johnson, made it clear to the court that his client did not kill the LASTMA official who arrested her while also pointing out that the charge of reckless driving is a bail-able offense.

He assured the court that his client is an employee of Stanbic IBTC Bank who will not abandon her job to jump bail for any reason.

The trial magistrate, Mr. Jacob Adegun, granted her bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

The case was then adjourned till September 5, 2012 for mention.

This warms our hearts.

Comments (2)

  1. THIS IS PURE MADNESS……

    So, no talk about her suffering for a crime she didnt commit?

    God save Nigeria. This is a lawless country.

    Yinka, pay the 50k, but PLEASE SUE SUE SUE SUE SUE SUE SUE SUE LASTMA

  2. The first thing we, let's kill all the lawyers.

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