By ADENIKE AYODELE/MELODY ADDO

A 55-year-old National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) chieftain, Shamsudeen Oladiti, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikeja High Court over alleged involuntary manslaughter of a dispatch rider.

Oladiti is standing trial on a three-count charge of involuntary manslaughter, conspiracy and attempted murder, preferred against him by the state government.

The State Counsel, Mr Jubril Kareem, told the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offences between Aug. 27 and Sept. 17, 2025, on Lewis Street, Lagos Island.

Kareem said the defendant, on Sept. 17, 2025, at about 3.00 p.m., allegedly caused the death of Ramon Imam by beating him with his fist and repeatedly striking his head and face.

He told the court that on Aug. 27, 2025, at about 10.00 a.m., Oladiti allegedly attempted to murder Samuel Omale by assaulting him, causing severe injuries.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 230, 224 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Following his plea, defence counsel, Mr Olanrewaju Ajanaku, informed the court of a bail application dated April 27.

Ajanaku said the application had been served on the prosecution, which confirmed receipt.

The prosecution raised no objection to bail.

He, however, noted that the defence had sought an order directing the correctional centre to confirm the defendant’s medical status.

Defence counsel confirmed same.

Justice Lawal Alebiosu granted the application and ordered the Controller of Corrections, Kirikiri, to confirm the defendant’s medical status at a state government hospital.

The court had earlier rejected the bail application due to some errors.

The case was adjourned until June 15 for commencement of trial. (NAN)

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