Adele Okojie-Aidonojie, a 23-year-old driver, is facing jail time for causing death by dangerous driving in Battersea, southwest London. She was driving at least 62mph in a 30mph zone when her Mini Cooper overturned after colliding with raised kerbstones, resulting in the deaths of two passengers, Rida Boutjettif and Mary Macharia. The passengers were not wearing seatbelts and were thrown from the vehicle. Another passenger, Ben Sidibe, suffered injuries in the crash. Adele Okojie-Aidonojie was found guilty of causing serious injury to him as well.
The fatal incident occurred after the passengers were filmed dancing and ‘twerking’ in the back of the car just before the crash. The trial at the Old Bailey revealed that Adele Okojie-Aidonojie was driving dangerously. She was found guilty of causing the deaths of two passengers, and Judge Richard Marks indicated that she will likely face a custodial sentence. The sentencing was adjourned until Friday following the verdict, which was reached after just an hour and a half of deliberations. The prosecution detailed the events leading up to the collision, including the defendant’s attempt to avoid calling the police or an ambulance and her false claim that it was a hit and run incident.
CCTV footage showed the Mini Cooper travelling at 62mph before crashing into raised kerbstones on Latchmere Road. The car overturned, causing the passengers inside to be thrown out. Adele Okojie-Aidonojie claimed that she was not above the legal limit for alcohol in her blood at the time of the collision. She stated that, in a panic after the crash, she drank from a bottle of alcohol that the passengers in her car had been drinking from. During the trial, the defendant admitted to driving carelessly but argued that her hand had been tugged and slipped off the steering wheel, contributing to the crash.
The trial also revealed that Adele Okojie-Aidonojie had driven with the passengers to pick up another friend from a nightclub where he was working. A witness reported Jamaican music playing in the car, and another passenger filmed the two passengers ‘twerking’ in the back just before the incident. The collision resulted in the death of two passengers and injuries to another. The prosecution outlined the reckless driving behavior that led to the tragic outcome, emphasizing the dangerous speed at which the defendant was driving in a residential area, which ultimately resulted in the fatal crash.
Adele Okojie-Aidonojie’s case serves as a stark example of the devastating consequences of dangerous driving. Her actions led to the loss of two lives and caused serious injuries to another individual. The judge’s indication of a likely custodial sentence highlights the severity of the offense and the need for accountability. The tragic incident underscores the importance of responsible and safe driving practices to prevent such heartbreaking outcomes. Adele Okojie-Aidonojie’s case serves as a reminder of the immense impact of reckless behavior on road safety and the lives of those involved. The sentencing on Friday will determine the consequences she will face as a result of her actions.
