MICHAEL AKINOLA
A staff of Neighborhood Watch, Balogun Taiwo, has been battered by two tricycle operators having boarded the tricycle and attempted to pay his fare with the old Naira note in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Hostel Bus Stop, Idimu area of Lagos.
The suspects rejected the old Naira note and insisted that Taiwo must pay with new Naira note because they had informed him earlier before he boarded the tricycle.
However, Taiwo insisted that the old Naira note was still a legal tender by law and attempted to leave without paying the fare. It was at that point that he received serious beating before he was rescued but by then he had sustained injury.
The matter was reported to the Police at Idimu Division; they were arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over their conduct.
During interrogation, they admitted to have assualted him after they demanded for his fare and he paid with the old Naira note, which led to disagreement and later degenerated to fighting.
However, the Police found them culpable for conspiracy and assault and charged them before the Ejigbo Magistrates Court for the alleged offence.
When they were arraigned, they pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, Inspector Simeon Njue, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since they pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that they actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu, granted them bail in the sum of #200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The matter was adjourned till 20th March, 2023, for mention.