Mr Danladi Baba, a driver with the Kogi State Government House has been jailed for reckless driving that led to the death of Prof. Festus Iyayi, a former National President of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU).
Baba was driving a Toyota Hilux pick-up car in the convoy of immediate-past Kogi Governor, Idris Wada, when he ran into a vehicle conveying Iyayi in November 12, 2013, which led to the university don’s death.
Baba was then charged on a one-count charge of causing death by dangerous and reckless driving.
Delivering his judgement, Alhassan Husaini of Lokoja Chief Magistrate Court II, found the defendant guilty of the offence and jailed him for seven years with no option of fine.
The magistrate said that the penal clause under section 5 of the Federal Highway Act CAP F. 13 of 2004 being mandatory position coupled with the severity of the offence tied the hands of the court.
The judge also cautioned drivers of important personalities against abusing their positions.
He said, “What is regrettable in this case is the serious abuse of privilege of late by VIP convoys.
“These siren-blaring convoys force on-coming and other categories of vehicles off the roads in a manner that exposes law-abiding road users to hazards.”
The accused was said to have burst into tears immediately the sentence was delivered by the judge.
Iyayi was the author of Violence, Heroes, and other books.