The prosecution witness in the trial of the staff of Chrisland School, Mr Jubril Yakubu, said the Agege stadium rented to Chrisland School lacked emergency facilities because “it wasn’t required”.
Yakubu stated this in Ikeja before Justice Oyindamola Ogala of a Lagos High Court during cross-examination by the school counsel.
The state accused the school and staff of negligence following Whitney Adeniran’s death during an inter-house sports competition held at the Agege Stadium, Lagos State.
The Lagos State Government has filed criminal charges against Chrisland School Limited. Opebi and its principal, vice principal and two others for the death of Whitney on March 31, 2023.
the resumed hearing, however, the third prosecution witness, a Deputy Director with the Lagos State Ministry of Youth and Social Development, informed the court that the state government owns sports facilities in Lagos State when cross-examined by the third defendant’s lawyer.
Yakubu was asked whether the Sports Commission ensured that there were proper medical facilities available for emergency treatment at the stadium as part of its work. He responded, “No.”
The Official Gazette of Lagos State No. 9 volume 50, which was admitted as evidence, was asked to be read earlier during his cross-examination.
He said the commission was created by the law of Lagos State, and added that law No. 4 states the function of the commission, which it shall be to establish and maintain clean fields and premises for holding sports competitions, matches etc. in which the district has a social worker service in charge.
He said that District Six covers: Oshodi, Ikeja, Opebi Allen, Agege, Isolo, Abule Egba and the boundary of Ogun State. I don’t know all the social workers in District Six.”
He also told the court that he did not know if it was normal for people to pay for the use of sports facilities.