CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 42-year-old trader at the popular Alaba International Market in Ojo, Ikechukwu Ohazuruike, was on Friday, 31st July, 2026 arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate Court in Lagos over allegations of fraud, breach of peace and stealing.
Ohazuruike is facing a 3-count charge brought against him by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State. The charges included conduct likely to cause breach of peace, cheating, and stealing.
According to the charge sheet read in court, the defendant was alleged to have on December 2nd, 2025 at about 11:00am at Alaba International Market, Ojo, conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace between one Chinedu Okeke and his customers. The prosecution stated that this was due to the delay in executing a job order and the printing and packaging of a substandard speaker carton.
The offence was said to be punishable under Section 168(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
In Count II, the Police alleged that on March 22nd, 2026 at about 6:00pm at the same market, Ohazuruike cheated one Chinedu Okeke, who is the Chief Executive Officer of Edulicil Venture Nig. Ltd. The prosecution told the court that the defendant collected money to print and package locally made speaker cartons valued at N10,500,000 but allegedly produced sub-standard materials and converted the actual production money to his personal use.
This offence contravenes Section 323 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
In Count III, Ohazuruike was also accused of stealing the sum of N10,500,000 through the said printing and packaging job. The money was said to be the property of Chinedu Okeke and Edulicil Venture Nig. Ltd. The offence is punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The Prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, told the court that investigations into the matter were conducted by Inspector Abdullahi Ismaila of Ojo Division. He said the case was being supervised by CSP Opeifa Omolola, the Divisional Police Officer, Ojo, Lagos.
However, when the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr L.K.J. Layeni, granted him bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The court ordered that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The matter was adjourned for mention. The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Legal experts who spoke after the arraignment said the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction.