Our attention has been drawn to an online petition and several other postings on social media regarding the unfortunate fatal accident involving Mr Tunji Opayele (deceased) and our Client.
While we understand the emotional response that this incident has generated, it is concerning that persons who were not present at the scene of the accident or versed with the actual facts are peddling false narratives on the internet seemingly with the main aim of garnering sympathy from the public and maligning the character of the other victim of the unfortunate accident.
Whilst it is regrettable that one of the victims died, it is most cruel to believe that commencing a campaign of calumny against the surviving victim will bring justice to the deceased.
The current state of social media bullying, cyberstalking, harassment and intimidation also does not aid the course of justice.
Being bound by ethics and the principle of subjudice we will not go into details of the fatal accident as the matter is now pending before a court of competent jurisdiction, we however wish to urge all commentators that it is imperative that caution be exercised in putting out narratives that serves only the purpose of social media sensationalism, cyberbullying, cyberstalking, harassment and intimidation but does not aid the course of justice. Let everyone allow the courts to make their decisions based on concrete evidence.
It is also important to point out that the officers and officials of government who are saddled with responsibilities to do one thing or the other in respect of the matter be allowed to be guided by the principles of law and good conscience.
Olukayode Enitan, SAN
Enitan Legal Practitioners & Arbitrators
The Blue
10A, CMD/Jubilee Road,
Magodo GRA,
Lagos State.
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