The Group General Manager, Human Resources Department at the Dangote Cement Plc, Ahmed Gobir, has testified before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja, that Elijah Shokoya, who is on trial for allegedly causing the death of a LASTMA official, had been working as a driver at Dangote Cement Plc. since 2012.
He also stated that Shokoya was a responsible and reliable employee, and the incident leading to the charge of involuntary manslaughter was a tragic accident.
The defence witness was being cross-examined by defence counsel, Mr Ebunola Ewonowu at the resumption of trial.
Shokoya had been charged with involuntary manslaughter for allegedly running over a LASTMA officer, Mr Olawale Akinmade with an Opel car with Lagos registration number AAA 74 GG.
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The alleged incident occurred at 7 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Jan. 26, 2021, on Ikorodu Road by Demurin Junction, Ketu, and Lagos State.
Shokoya was arraigned on June 23, 2021.
He, however, pleaded not guilty and was granted bail in the sum of N2.5 million and two sureties.
The defence counsel tendered copies of Shokoya’s appointment letter and terms of condition of service document as evidence, but the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions objected, stating that the copies were not original and not in accordance with Section 84 of the Evidence Act, 2011.
Following a request by the defence counsel for adjournment of the case, Justice Oyindamola Ogala adjourned the case until Nov. 20 for continuation of defence.
