MICHAEL AKINOLA
There was mild drama in Ojokoro as a 25-year-old man, Abdulahim Lawal, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over alleged attack on Neighbourhood Watch officers in the area.
The Commissioner of Police filed the charges against Lawal through the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The Court documents dated 14th April, 2026, revealed the drama which unfolded on 13th March, 2026.
According to the charge sheet, trouble allegedly started around 7:48am at Terry Grillo Agbe Road, Ahmadiyah area of Ojokoro. The defendant was brought before the Ikeja Magisterial district to answer to three separate counts under the Criminal Law of the State.
The prosecution alleged that Abdulahim Lawal and others still at large allegedly planned to commit felony. The offence is punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.
The defendant and others were alleged to have obstructed officers of Lagos State Neighbourhood Watch while they were carrying out their lawful duties. This is contrary to Section 168 of the state’s criminal law.
The charge further stated that the defendant and others allegedly assaulted two Neighbourhood Watch officers, Salako Afolabi Emmanuel and Adeleke Adewale, causing bodily harm and Section 173 covers the offence.
However, he pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, asked the Court to give a date for hearing since he pleaded not guilty to enable the Police to provide evidence to prove that he actually committed the alleged offence.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted him bail with two sureties, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.
The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Inspector Irewole Abiola of Ojokoro Division was listed as the Investigating Police Officer on the case file from the District Prosecutor’s Office, Ogba. Exhibits and evidence were noted in the charge document submitted by the DPP.
Under Nigerian law, every person charged for an offence is presumed innocent until a court of competent jurisdiction proves otherwise. The defendant will be given full opportunity to defend himself during trial.
Cases involving public officials and assault are treated seriously under Lagos State laws. The Ministry of Justice says it remains committed to prosecuting matters that threaten public peace.