Lekki Gardens’ Boss Richard Nyong, Others Face Manslaughter Charge

FUNSHO AROGUNDADE

It seems troubles aren’t over yet for the youthful Managing Director of Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, Richard Nyong as the Lagos State Government filed a criminal charge against him and others over the 7 March 2016 collapse of a five-storey building project under construction on Kushenla Road in Ikate Elegushi area of the State which killed no fewer than 35 persons.

The criminal charge, which was filed on 17 February, is yet to be assigned a date for arraignment of the defendants.

Apart from Nyong, his company, Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, and two other companies -GT Rich Ltd, and HC Insight Solutions Ltd, were also charged alongside Taiwo Odofin, Omolabake Mortune, Maruis Agwu, Sola Olumofe and Omotilewa Joseph.

The defendants are facing six-count charge of failure to obtain building approval for the collapsed building and unlawful manslaughter contrary to Section 75 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of Lagos.

The State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, after the collapse of the building, had visited the scene where he expressed a strong commitment to the protection of lives and property of all citizens in the State.

The Governor had specifically vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the collapsed building, while also assuring residents of the State that no stone would be left unturned to ensure that cases of criminal negligence and other forms of criminal activities are prosecuted.