Building collapse: Lekki Gardens’ director remanded in prison

A Lagos high court in Igbosere on Monday remanded Sola Olumofe, an executive director of Lekki Gardens Estate Limited, in prison pending the perfection of a bail granted to him.

Olumofe was among officials of the company arraigned in court over alleged complicity in the events leading to the collapse of a building in Lekki area of the state on March 10, 2016.

Richard Nyong, managing director of Lekki Gardens, was also arraigned before Sybil Nwaka, a judge, over alleged negligence resulting in the collapse of the building which reportedly killed 34 people.

Other defendants were Odofin Taiwo, firm’s contractor; Omolabake Mortune, Lekki Gardens; Omotilewa Oluwatosin, Get Too Rich Investment Limited and Joseph of HC Insight Solution Limited.

Before the arraignment of the defendants, Nwaka had ruled on an application contending the suitability of the criminal charges against them on the ground that there was no seal of the counsel to the prosecution on the information as required.

The court held that the contention was a simple matter that only required a directive for the prosecution to affix the seal on the charges, and thereafter ordered the prosecution to do so, a directive which the prosecution led by Adeniji Kazeem, the state commissioner for justice, immediately complied with.

After the charges were read to them, the defendants pleaded not guilty, while their lawyers including Bode Olanipekun and George Oguntade (SAN) urged the court to allow the defendants to continue enjoying the previous bail granted to them.

In response, Kazeem said in as much as the court was now seized of the matter, it was important for conditions that would ensure the presence of the defendants for trial to be imposed.

In her ruling, Nwaka ruled that the defendants except the second defendant (Olumofe) should continue enjoying their formal bail conditions, but added that they should deposit their international passports with the court.

Nwaka granted a N100,000 bail to Olumofe and two sureties in the like sum.

The sureties, according to the court, must be gainfully employed, while the Lagos state directorate of public prosecution (DPP) must verify the sureties.

The court also ordered Olumofe to deposit his international passport, while he is to be remanded in prison pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

The matter has been adjourned to October 26 and 30, 2017 for definite hearing.