A Lagos High Court sitting at Tafawa Balewa Square yesterday sentenced a 42-year-old tricycle operator, Godswill Akpan, to 10 years’ imprisonment for causing the death of his colleague, 30-year-old Baba Ali Bukar, during a dispute over queue order at a commercial park.
Justice Yetunde Adesanya found Akpan guilty of involuntary manslaughter, holding that the prosecution sufficiently proved that his actions directly led to Bukar’s death.
Akpan was arraigned on October 18, 2021, on a single count of involuntary manslaughter by provocation, following a charge filed on December 17, 2019. Prosecutors said Akpan struck Bukar in the chest with a stone during an argument.
The altercation, which occurred on June 1, 2019, around 12:45 p.m. near the Eko Hotel Roundabout, Victoria Island, Lagos, escalated from a disagreement over a tricycle queue arrangement.
The offence, the court heard, contravenes Section 225 and is punishable under Section 299 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.
Akpan pleaded not guilty, forcing a full trial. The prosecution called one witness and tendered one exhibit.
The defendant testified on his own behalf but called no additional witnesses.
During the proceedings, the Investigative Police Officer explained why the usual medical examination was not carried out.
“No autopsy was carried out as the deceased’s brother said their faith does not permit it,” the IPO said.
Akpan, in his testimony, alleged that Bukar first accused him of skipping the queue after he picked up a lone passenger for N700.
The exchange quickly deteriorated into a physical confrontation, during which Akpan said he retaliated after Bukar attempted to strike him with a stone.
Bukar later collapsed and died in hospital. His family reportedly notified Akpan of his death later that afternoon.
Justice Adesanya, however, pointed out inconsistencies in Akpan’s statements, noting that portions of his account changed during trial.
She held that the circumstantial evidence overwhelmingly established his liability.
“The prosecution has proved its case. The defendant, Godswill Akpan, is hereby found guilty of involuntary manslaughter,” she ruled.
During allocutus, defence counsel pleaded for leniency, describing Akpan as remorseful, a first-time offender, and the main breadwinner for his family.
Justice Adesanya nevertheless imposed a 10-year custodial sentence.h