Rédaction Africa Links 24 with Ochogwu Sunday
Published on 2024-02-08 18:19:49
Four women and two men have found themselves in legal trouble after being docked in a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court for their alleged involvement in attacking, assaulting, and blackmailing the popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal. The police charged Qudus Jokogbola, Siri Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Morenike with conspiracy, breach of peace, and causing bodily harm.
According to the Prosecutor, Inspector Samuel Isholla, the six defendants and two others at large committed the alleged offences on February 5, 2024, at around 1.30 pm at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State. They are accused of forcefully pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in bodily injuries and causing a breach of public peace.
The prosecutor highlighted that the defendants’ actions contravened sections 168(d), 170(b), 411, and 413(2) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Notably, section 413(2) prescribes a two-year jail term for anyone found guilty of causing injury to a person or reputation, or depreciating the value of any person or property.
Despite the charges, the defendants pleaded not guilty. Their lawyer, S. Ade Oshodi and Ademola Olabiyi, announced their representation for the defendants and nominal complainant’s lawyer, respectively. Oshodi, with six other lawyers, informed the court that all his clients were market men and women. He urged the court to admit them to bail in the most liberal terms.
Responding to the lawyer’s request, the prosecutor acknowledged that granting bail is at the court’s discretion but suggested that the court should admit them to bail with conditions that ensure their attendance in court.
In the ruling, Magistrate A.A Paul granted each of the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000, with one surety in like sum. The magistrate stipulated that the sureties must be residents of Lagos State with evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government, among other requirements. Furthermore, he ordered that the defendants should be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) until they perfect their bail terms.
The case has been adjourned until March 11 for mention, allowing all parties to prepare for the legal proceedings and for the defendants to secure their release on bail.
This legal battle involving the Nollywood actress and the accused individuals highlights the importance of upholding the law and seeking justice for any alleged wrongdoing. The court’s decision to grant bail underscores the legal principle of innocent until proven guilty, allowing the defendants to continue their daily lives while awaiting the trial proceedings.
As the case unfolds, it will be crucial for all involved parties to uphold the principles of fairness, justice, and legal integrity, ensuring that the truth prevails and that all individuals have the opportunity to defend themselves against the charges brought against them.
Read the original article on Daily Post
