TheCable

The Lagos state government has filed criminal charge against Richard Nyong, managing director (MD) of Lekki Gardens Estate Ltd, over the collapse of a five-storey building under construction on Kushenla Road in Ikate Elegushi area of the state.

At least 35 persons lost their lives in the incident, which occurred in March.

Others charged alongside Nyong are Taiwo Odofin, Omolabake Mortune, Maruis Agwu, Sola Olumofe and Omotilewa Joseph.

According to Kayode Oyekanmi, assistant director of public affairs at the ministry of justice, 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 criminal charge, which was filed on February 17, 2017, is yet to assigned a date for arraignment of the defendants.

After the collapse of the building, Akinwunmi Ambode, governor of the state, had visited the scene where he expressed a strong commitment to the protection of lives and property.

Ambode had specifically vowed to ensure justice for the victims of the tragedy, 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.

In March, an Ebute-Metta chief magistrate court had ordered that Nyong be remanded in prison custody for 30 days.