The Lagos State Safety Commission told a Lagos High Court Ikeja that the management of Chrisland Schools Opebi, failed to take a compulsory risk assessment test of the commission.
Mr Wahab Ariyo, a safety officer with the commission, disclosed this at the resumed trial of the Chrisland Schools Opebi and four of its staff members on Thursday.
Ariyo testified as the fourth witness for the prosecution before Justice Oyindamola Ogala.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Lagos State Government on March 31, 2023, charged Chrisland Schools Ltd. Opebi, its principal and vice principal and two others with the killing of Whitney.
Those charged alongside the school are Ademoye Adewale (a cotton candy vendor), Kuku Fatai, Belinda Amao (Principal) and Victoria Nwatu.
The defendants are standing trial for allegedly causing the death of a 12-year-old student, Whitney Adediran, during the school’s inter-house sports competition.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offences violate Sections 224 and 251 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.
Trial had since begun in the case with the prosecution still leading witnesses in evidence.
When the case was called on Thursday, the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecution (DPP), Dr Babajide Martins, called his fourth witness (Ariyo).
Ariyo introduced himself as an engineer and safety officer with the Lagos State Safety Commission.
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He told the court that his duty in the office involved responding to emergencies in the state, investigating accidents and incidents to uncover the roots and immediate causes.
In relation to the instant charge, the witness told the court that the commission conducted investigations to ascertain the root cause of the fatality and to make recommendations to avoid further occurrence.
According to Ariyo, it is important to obtain Event Safety Permit for schools and public events having 250 guests.
He said the permit can be obtained by visiting the commission’s website to register the event.
Ariyo added that after this, the commission gets notified in its office, while an officer would be sent from the Events Department to the facility, to conduct basic assessments.
The witness told the court that afterwards the commission would give the requirements of the things to put in place, to avoid accident or emergency at such events.
