Two Suspects Arraigned in Connection with Kupa Boat Incident.
By Our Correspondent.
The Kogi State Command of the Nigeria Police Force arraigned two individuals, Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, before the Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court on Thursday.
They face charges of conspiracy and negligence stemming from a tragic boat accident that resulted in fatalities.
Prosecutor Gabriel Otowu informed the court that the incident was reported on December 23, 2024, by Titus Adoga, the Area Manager of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), to the Commandant of the Inland Waterways Headquarters of the Nigeria Police Force.
According to Otowu, the defendants, who jointly own a commercial wooden boat, were involved in transporting 60 passengers from the Kupa area of Lokoja Local Government to Kacha Market in Niger State on November 29, 2024, at approximately 5:45 a.m.
It is alleged that they neglected to provide life jackets and disregarded weather advisories, which cautioned against proceeding without adequate safety measures.
During the voyage, the boat reportedly collided with a submerged log, leading to its capsizing and the tragic drowning of 19 passengers, whose bodies were subsequently recovered. Following an investigation, the defendants were arrested and charged.
Both suspects entered a plea of not guilty. Their defense counsel, Zakari Useni, filed a bail application under sections 156, 160, and 163 of the Criminal Justice Law of Kogi State.
The Chief Magistrate, Abdullahi Musa-Mopa, approved bail in the amount of N100,000 each, contingent upon securing a surety of similar status. This surety must be a civil servant at Grade Level 14 and reside within the magisterial district.
The case has been adjourned to March 20, 2025, for further proceedings.
