The Ondo State Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Kayode Ajulo (SAN), has announced the state’s intention to prosecute the driver and owner of the truck involved in a tragic accident that resulted in multiple fatalities.
Ajulo made this statement in Lagos on Friday, expressing his outrage over the incident. He revealed that an investigation is underway to identify the employers of the driver.
“In the controversy over ownership of the truck, what is inhuman is that the owner should have at least commiserated with the families of the deceased but chose to remain silent,” he stated.
The Legal Observer reports that the auto crash in the Akungba-Akoko area of Ondo State on Wednesday claimed the lives of 10 individuals, including a pregnant woman. The truck allegedly lost control and crashed into shops along the Owo-Akungba-Ikare Akoko expressway, killing the victims instantly.
Ajulo emphasized that the ongoing investigation aims to clarify the ownership of the truck before prosecution can begin. He noted the confusion surrounding the truck’s ownership, with initial reports suggesting it belonged to the Dangote Group.
“Whoever owned the truck will be identified and included in the prosecution,” he affirmed.
He expressed anger over the increasing number of fatal accidents involving trucks and heavy-duty vehicles in Nigeria, particularly in Ondo State. “These tragic incidents have claimed the lives of innocent citizens, including this recent devastating crash that took the lives of a pregnant woman and her child,” Ajulo said.
The attorney general condemned the reckless driving of heavy truck operators, declaring it unacceptable and a behavior that must be addressed immediately. He reiterated the commitment of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa to ensure the safety of Ondo State residents on the roads.
“Enough is enough. The loss of lives due to criminal negligence can no longer go unchecked. From this moment forward, both the drivers involved in these horrific incidents and the company itself will be held vicariously liable. We will prosecute them to the fullest extent of the law for this criminal negligence,” he asserted.
Ajulo called for an urgent review of operational protocols for truck owners, emphasizing compliance with safety regulations and the training provided to truck drivers nationwide. He urged the public to remain vigilant and report any reckless driving incidents involving heavy-duty trucks, assuring that the state government is committed to enforcing road safety and protecting lives.
“The lives of our people are paramount. We will not allow profit to take precedence over safety. As the community grapples with its grief, the call for stricter regulations and accountability among commercial transport operators grows louder, demanding that such senseless tragedies be prevented in the future,” he said.
Ajulo extended his condolences to the families of the deceased, assuring them that justice would be served.
Meanwhile, the Dangote Group has denied any connection to the truck involved in the Akungba-Akoko accident. In a statement released on Thursday, the company clarified that the truck does not belong to them or any of their subsidiaries. “Verified vehicle registration details confirm that the truck with Plate No. JJJ 365 XB is owned and operated by an independent logistics company with no affiliation to Dangote Group,” the statement read.
