A 35-year-old tipper driver, Matthew Iji, has been arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court over alleged reckless driving that reportedly led to the death of two persons in Ondo State.
The defendant 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.
The prosecutor, ASP A. Jejeniwa, told the court that the alleged offences occurred on May 20, 2026, at about 10:35 a.m. along Fasoranti Road, opposite Alagbaka Junction in Akure.
According to the prosecution, Iji was driving a MAN diesel tipper registered within the city when he allegedly operated the vehicle in a manner considered dangerous to other road users and members of the public.
Jejeniwa further alleged that the defendant’s actions resulted in the death of two individuals identified as Babatunde Michael and Alayi Kazeem.
The prosecution also accused the driver of carelessly operating the vehicle and crashing into another automobile, causing damage to the property.
In addition, the defendant was alleged to have driven on a public highway without possessing a valid driver’s licence.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene relevant provisions of the Road Traffic Act, Cap 136, Volume 3, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to all the charges.
The prosecutor informed the court that three witnesses would be called during the trial and sought an adjournment to enable the prosecution prepare its case.
Counsel for the defendant, Femi Adetoye, urged the court to grant his client bail, arguing that the offences were bailable and that the accused remained innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
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 case was subsequently adjourned until June 15, 2026, for hearing.