National Wire About Nigerians, Nigerian Business and Other Stories
Tayo Olanipekun
Lagos State Government has filed criminal charge against the Managing Director of Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, Richard Nyong and others over the collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road, Ikate-Elegushi, Lagos, in which no fewer than 35 persons lost their lives.
Charged along with the companies involved, Lekki Gardens Estate, GT Rich Ltd, HC Insight Solutions Ltd, are Nyong, Taiwo Odofin, Omolabake Mortune, Maruis Agwu, Sola Olumofe and Omotilewa Joseph.
According to a statement signed by the Assistant Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry Of Justice, Kayode Oyekanmi, yesterday, the defendants are facing six-count charge of failure to obtain building approval for the collapsed building and unlawful manslaughter contrary to Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of Lagos State.
The criminal charge, which was filed on February 17, 2017, is yet to be assigned a date for arraignment of the defendants.
The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, after the collapse of the building, had visited the scene where he expressed a commitment to the protection of lives and property of all citizens in the State.
It is recalled that the Governor specifically vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the collapsed building, while also assuring residents of the State that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that cases of criminal negligence and other forms of criminal activities are prosecuted.
