The Lagos State High Court in Ikeja has decisively convicted and sentenced commercial bus driver Sunday Okodo to five years in prison for causing grievous bodily harm to a police officer attached to the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency (LASTMA) David Zapania.
Justice Oyindamola Ogala delivered a firm judgment, convicting Okodo on three of the five charges filed by the Lagos State Government.
The court found him guilty on counts two, four, and five, while he was discharged and acquitted on the remaining counts.
The charges against Okodo were serious: he hit the police officer with his vehicle while attempting to evade arrest for driving against traffic (one-way), resisting arrest, reckless and dangerous driving, driving without a valid driver’s license, assaulting a police officer, and attempted murder.
Arraigned on November 10, 2021, Okodo pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Dr Babajide Martins, the State Director of Public Prosecutions, called for the maximum sentence, stressing the case’s significance to public safety.
Conversely, the defence counsel, Mr Ohemu, requested leniency, pointing out that Okodo is a first-time offender with an elderly mother.
Before handing down the sentence, Justice Ogala asked Okodo if he had anything to say. He simply replied, “I am sorry, ma.”
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In her ruling, Justice Ogala made it clear, stating, “Sentencing is within the court’s discretion. The objectives of sentencing include retribution, deterrence, and the protection of society. In determining the sentence, we must consider the interests of the victim, the convict, and society as a whole.”
Regarding the specifics of the sentence, Justice Ogala ordered Okodo to serve four years for causing grievous bodily harm, with the time he spent in custody between February 2021 and November 2021 accounted for.
Additionally, he received a one-year sentence for count four and was fined 20,000 Naira for count five. The sentences are to be served concurrently, sending a strong message about the consequences of such reckless behaviour.
