MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 39-year old man, Sylvanus Okon, has done the unthinkable on his neighbour, Anthony Tochukwu, by pouring some petroleum substance on his body and setting him ablaze during public brawl in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at Thompson Adedoja Street, Shasha area of Lagos, where they reside.
The victim was badly burnt and was rushed to an undisclosed hospital, where he is receiving treatment over the injuries he sustained during the attack.
The suspect has been arrested and charged before the Court for conduct likely to cause breach of public peace and causing grievous injury on the victim.
According to Police, the man, Sylvanus, had a disagreement with his neighbour over an undisclosed matter in the morning of the day the incident happened. He was said to have secretly brought a keg of petroleum substance alongside a box of matches and then poured it on the victim’s body. While the victim tried to escape, he pursued him, lit the matches and burnt him.
The matter was reported to the Police at Shasha Division; Okon was arrested and subsequently charged before the Ejigbo Magistrates Court for the alleged offence.
He pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Benedict Aigbokhan, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. K.A. Ariyo, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
He was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions while the matter was adjourned till 13th February, 2023, for mention.