BREAKING NEWS, Crime
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Femi Falana, senior advocate of Nigeria, has demanded for the report of the accident in Onitsha in which 69 persons were killed so that he can fight for compensation for their dependents
FEMI Falana, senior advocate of Nigeria and human rights activist, wants Boboye Oyeyemi, corps marshal of the Federal Road Safety Corps, FRSC, to release to him the report of the investigation on the tragic accident in Onitsha, Anambra State on May 31.
The accident claimed the lives of 69 persons while 12 buses got burnt in the inferno that ensued.
Falana, who made request on the strength of the Freedom of Information Act, 2011, said he needed the information to enable him to press for compensation for dependents of victims who died in the accident and those injured.
The activist said in his letter: “In view of the fact that the Onitsha tragedy occurred due to brake failure as the vehicle was not serviced, we are compelled to request for the prosecution of the owner of the tanker involved in the accident.
“Since the owner of the tanker is vicariously liable for the negligence of the driver, we have decided to press for monetary compensation- which is legally payable to each of the victims and the dependents of all those who lost their lives in the inferno.
“In order to follow up the matter, we hereby request for a copy of the report of the investigation conducted into the accident by the FRSC.
He made reference to the FOI Act 2011 and asked the FRSC chief to release the report within seven days of the receipt of his letter. Falana said if Oyeyemi should refuse to release the report, he would not hesitate to approach the federal high court to compel to compel him to do so.
He also expressed concern over accidents that had occurred after the Onitsha incident, and asked the FRSC to take drastic steps to stop the “carnage” on the roads.
Apart from its planned national summit, Falana said the FRSC must be prepared to prosecute reckless drivers.
— Jun 24, 2015 @ 13:30 GMT
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