CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
Two men were on Tuesday arraigned before an Ejigbo Magistrate Court in Lagos over allegations that they accused a woman of stealing their missing organs and assaulted her in public, an incident that nearly degenerated into mob action.
The defendants, Musibau Abdul, 20, and Ibrahim Lawal, 20, appeared before Magistrate Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Usman on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, and assault occasioning harm.
According to the charge sheet marked AMMl/2026, the alleged incident occurred on April 13, 2026, at Orelope Junction along Ikotun-Egbeda Road in the Lagos Magisterial District.
The Police prosecutor, SP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendants and others now at large conspired among themselves to commit felony, specifically assault occasioning harm. The offence is contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
In the second count, the prosecution alleged that the two men conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace. The court heard that they raised a false alarm and incited members of the public against one Bola Aiyegbejaje.
The charge stated that the defendants accused the woman of stealing their male genital organ. The allegation drew a crowd at the busy junction and created tension in the area before Police intervention.
The offence was said to be punishable under Section 168(D) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015, which deals with conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
In the third count, the Police alleged that the defendants unlawfully assaulted the same Bola Aiyegbejaje. According to the charge, they used a van belt, horsewhip, and other dangerous weapons to inflict various degrees of injuries on her body.
The prosecution said the act contravened Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, which prescribes punishment for assault occasioning harm.
When the charge was read to them, both Abdul and Lawal pleaded not guilty. The court did not take their plea on the facts of the case.
After hearing submissions from the prosecutor, the Magistrate granted them bail in the sum of ₦1,000,000 with two sureties in like sum. The case was adjourned for further hearing. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the charge sheet was CPL Omosule Odunayo of Area M Command, Idimu, Lagos.
Legal experts and community leaders have repeatedly warned that accusations of organ theft often trigger mob violence in parts of Lagos. The Police have urged residents to report suspicious cases to authorities instead of taking the law into their own hands to avoid breakdown of law and order.
The defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.