A bricklayer, Monday Taiwo, who allegedly broke into a house and robbed a man of his N206,000 with a toy gun, was on Wednesday hauled up before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused, 20, was arraigned before the Magistrate, Mrs F.F. George, on a five-count charge of conspiracy, burglary, stealing, robbery and assault.
Taiwo, whose address was not stated, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and was admitted to a bail of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
George said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Godwin Awase, the accused committed the offences on Feb. 12 at Isheri-Osun, Ikotun, a Lagos suburb.
He alleged that the bricklayer and others still at large, conspired to rob the complainant, Mr Emeka Onouka, of his valuables and N206, 000.
“The accused robbed the complainant of his wallet containing his national identity card, passport, and other documents and N206, 000,” he said.
Awase said the accused and others who armed themselves with dangerous weapons, burgled the complainant’s residence at night after scaling the fence.
“The accused jumped the fence and also damaged the burglar proof to gain entry into the complainant’s apartment.
“The accused and others who were armed with knives, iron rods and a toy gun, threatened to kill the complainant if he refused to cooperate with them.
“He used iron rod to inflict injuries on the complainant’s head, nose and mouth while the complainant, out of fear, surrendered his wallet and money.
“As the accused and his accomplices were trying to scale the fence to escape, the complainant raised alarm and with the help of the landlord and some co-tenants, the accused was apprehended while others escaped with the stolen items,” the prosecutor said.
The offence contravened Sections 245, 287, 296, 297, 308 of the Criminal Law of Lagos state, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused may be jailed for 21 years if found guilty of robbery, according to the provisions of Section 296.
The case was adjourned until April 12 for mention. (NAN)