An Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court has arraigned a 35-year-old tipper driver, Matthew Iji, over alleged reckless driving that reportedly claimed the lives of two persons in the Ondo State capital.
Iji was docked on a four-count charge bordering on dangerous driving, causing death through reckless driving, damage to property, and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
According to the prosecution, led by Assistant Superintendent of Police A. Jejeniwa, the incident occurred on May 20, 2026, at about 10:35 a.m. along Fasoranti Road, opposite Alagbaka Junction in Akure.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendant, while driving a MAN diesel tipper registered in the state, allegedly drove in a dangerous manner on a public highway, endangering other road users.
Jejeniwa further alleged that the reckless driving led to a fatal crash that claimed the lives of two persons identified as Babatunde Michael and Alayi Kazeem.
He also told the court that the defendant’s vehicle reportedly collided with another vehicle during the incident, causing significant damage.
The prosecution added that Iji was allegedly not in possession of a valid driver’s licence at the time of the crash.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene Sections 18(1), 80 and 81(1) of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 136, Volume 3, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges preferred against him.
Following the plea, the prosecution requested an adjournment, informing the court of plans to call three witnesses to establish its case.
Counsel to the defendant, Femi Adetoye, urged the court to grant bail, arguing that the charges were bailable and that the accused remained innocent until proven guilty.
In her ruling, Magistrate T.G. Alphonso admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N2 million with two sureties in like sum.
The court thereafter adjourned the case to June 15, 2026, for hearing.
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