LAGBUS driver gets 10 hours of community service for dangerous driving

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Upon arrest, he was taken to the Ikorodu Magistrates' Court 3, where the prosecutor, Cpl. Mary Ajiteru, read his charges.

Ajiteru said the accused had committed two offences on January 26th, which were against Section 18(I) of the Road Traffic Laws of Lagos State Nigeria 2011 and Section 45 Schedule 1 of the same law, adding that the crimes were committed on Lagos Road by the BRT Park at Agric Bus-Stop, Ikorodu.

"His driving obstructed other drivers on the road and caused much pandemonium," she said.

Afterwards, the accused pleaded guilty, saying: ''I am sorry and I promise not to drive recklessly again.’’

Magistrate Bola Olagbegi-Adelabu proceeded to sentence the convict to 10 hours of community service.

"Those who think that they can harass other drivers under the cover of the 'big' company they work for or government drivers that feel they are above our traffic regulations should learn from 's ordeal. Our traffic laws are no respecter of any person or company or government driver that thinks he or she can violate others and go free."

READ: 'Traffic offenders should be sentenced to community service, more', Fashola proposes

The Head Officer of Community Service Unit, Ikorodu District, Mr Toheeb Adekoya, supported the ruling.

"Convicted persons like would not have to go to prison for minor offences like reckless driving without causing death to another person or persons. Those caught in acts of theft of minor things like stealing a tuber of yam should not be subjected to the experience of prison life. Besides, this scheme has at least succeeded in decongesting our prison in Lagos to a great extent.

The whole idea is that serving the sentence should help to discourage would-be offenders, help the convict to be a better person and to ensure that his or her means of livelihood is secure. The service of the sentence also aims to ensure that the convict is not dislodged from society."