Five men were on Monday charged with assaulting a commuter and dispossessing him of N110, 000 valuables at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The accused — Sefianu Isa, 25; Ahmed Umoru, 25; Yakubu Sefianu, 22; Haruna Useni, 27; and Abudullahi Isa, 25 — are standing trial
on a four-count charge of conspiracy, breach of trust, assault and stealing.
The accused, all residents of Mushin, Lagos, pleaded not guilty before the Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Tanimola.
Police Prosecutor Aondohemba Koti told the court that the accused committed the offences on Aug. 22 at Lord Bus Stop,
Ago, Lagos.
He said the accused conspired and assaulted a man, Mr Chukwumanjo Okonkwo, and also stole his phone and other valuables
worth N110, 000.
“The complainant was driving home at night when the accused blocked him with their motorcycles, dragged him out of his car and
started beating him.
“The accused injured his left eye and also tore his clothes before they dispossessed him of his N55,000 phone, wristwatch valued
at N33, 000 and a pair of scandals worth N22, 000, totaling N110, 000.”
Koti said a good Samaritan, who was at the scene, called the police and the accused were arrested.
The offences violated Sections 168, 173, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), reports that Section 173 stipulates three years’ imprisonment for assault occasioning harm while
Section 287 prescribes three years for stealing.
In her ruling, the magistrate granted bail to the accused in the sum of N80, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
Tanimola said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State
Government.
The case was adjourned until Sept. 26 for mention. (NAN)