The trial of Chrisland School staff resumed at the Lagos High Court with Whitney Adeniran’s father testifying on Monday. Whitney, a 12-year-old student, died during the school’s inter-house sports at the Agege Stadium on February 9, 2023.
The father began his testimony in May 2023, led by the Director of Public Prosecutions, Babajide Martins. On Monday, he underwent cross-examination by the school’s counsel, Bolaji Ayorinde, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria.
Mr. Adeniran informed the court that he was told by the school nurse that his daughter had died at the Agege Stadium before being taken to the hospital.
He mentioned that the nurse couldn’t pronounce her dead as she was not a doctor. During cross-examination, he stated he wasn’t aware if CPR or oxygen was administered.
The charges against Chrisland School, its principal, and others include involuntary manslaughter, and reckless and negligent conduct endangering the student’s life.
Adeyemi Adeniran confirmed that the incident leading to his daughter’s death occurred at Agege Stadium, not on the school premises. He testified that he was not present at the stadium but received information from his wife, the school nurse, the principal, and other eyewitnesses.
He affirmed Whitney’s good health on the day of the incident and clarified her absence on February 2 was unrelated to ill-health.
The father also disclosed that the school had informed them on January 20, 2023, that Whitney was unwell, leading to a medical examination and prescribed medication.
He admitted not checking the drugs online and later obtained the names from the hospital report after Whitney’s death. The court adjourned further hearings to January 24, 2024.
Background details indicate Whitney collapsed during Chrisland School’s inter-house sports at Agege Stadium. First aid was administered, and she was rushed to Agege Central Hospital, where she was confirmed dead.
The autopsy report cited asphyxia and electrocution as the cause of death, leading to the ongoing legal proceedings.
