The National Inland Waterways Authority’s (NIWA) Police Command has arraigned two men before a Lokoja Chief Magistrates’ Court for alleged conspiracy and negligence leading to a boat mishap in the state.
In a statement made available to Shipping Position Daily, the defendants, identified as Musa Dangana and Yakubu Dangana, both residents of Lokoja, are facing charges of alleged criminal conspiracy and negligent conduct.
According to the police report, the case was brought to the attention of the Inland Waterways Nigeria Police Command by Engr. Titus Adoga, the Area Manager of NIWA’s Lokoja office.
The prosecution, led by Mr. Gabriel Otowu, stated that the two men jointly owned a commercial wooden boat that capsized while transporting passengers from Kupa in Lokoja Local Government Area to Kacha Market in Niger State.
The incident, which occurred on November 29, 2024, at about 5:45 a.m., involved 60 passengers who were reportedly ferried without life jackets and despite unfavorable weather conditions. The prosecutor alleged that the defendants ignored repeated warnings against such unsafe practices.
During the ill-fated journey, the boat struck a submerged log, causing it to capsize and leading to casualties. The police investigation resulted in the arrest of the two men, who have since provided statements to the authorities.
The charges against them include criminal conspiracy, negligent conduct, and failure to exercise due vigilance, which violate Section 97 (2) and 196 of the Kogi State Penal Code, as well as Section 7 of the Inland Waterways Transportation Code 2023.
Their defence counsel, Mr. Zakari Useni, applied for their bail under Sections 156, 160, and 163 of the Criminal Justice Law of Kogi State. Chief Magistrate Abdullahi Musa-Mopa granted bail to the defendants, setting the amount at N100,000 each, with a Level 14 civil servant as surety. The surety must also be a resident of Lokoja.
The court adjourned the case to March 20, 2025, for further hearing.
