The Lagos State Government has announced that a case of involuntary manslaughter has been established against Chrisland School. In addition, a case of reckless and negligent acts against some members of staff and a vendor in the death of Whitney Adeniran has been established.
The 12-year-old Adeniran had slumped during her school’s inter-house sports event on February 9. It was later revealed that she died from asphyxia and electrocution, according to an autopsy report. Following the controversy surrounding her death, the state government ordered a coroner’s inquest to ascertain the cause of death.
The coroner’s inquest, led by Magistrate Olabisi Fajana, is set to commence on April 4.
The Lagos State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Moyosore Onigbanjo, disclosed that the Director of Public Prosecution (DPP) had issued legal advice on the case. He concluded that a prima facie case of involuntary manslaughter will be established against the school. This will be alongside a case of reckless negligence against some members of staff and a vendor.
The accused parties will now be charged with the offences of involuntary manslaughter and reckless and negligent acts. This is in accordance with the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. The Lagos State Ministry of Justice has provided certified true copies of the legal advice on its website.
