KINGSLEY EBERE
Popular Ladipo Market auto dealer, Eddy Ebube a.k.a Bebex, who allegedly assaulted a 26-year old nursing mother, Omolara James, by indecently attempting to touch her breast and slapping her in the process, has been remanded in custody at the correctional center at Kirikiri town, Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the 37-year old Bebex was arraigned before the Ogba Magistrates Court with his accomplice, Ali Musa, for conspiracy and conduct likely to cause breach of public peace.
The alleged assault happened at Mercedes Benz Line at Ladipo Market, Mushin area of Lagos State.
Part of the charge read: ” That you Ebube Eddy and Ali Musa on 20th April, 2023, at Mercedes Benz Line, Ladipo Market, did conspire to wit conduct likely to cause breach of public peace by indecently assaulting Omolara James by wanting to touch her breast and assaulting her by slapping her face”.
The prosecutor, Inspector Ajayi Emmanuel, told the Court that the alleged offence committed was contrary and punishable under Section 411 and 168 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.
The defendants risk several years of imprisonment on the alleged offence if they are tried and found guilty before the Court.
They pleaded not guilty.
Their lawyer then asked the Court to grant the defendants bail on liberal terms and described the matter as a minor misunderstanding among fellow traders.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A. Odubayo, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N200,000 and two sureties in like sum, who must live within the Court’s jurisdiction.
The matter was adjourned till 15th May, 2023, for mention while the defendants were remanded in custody pending when they will perfect their bail conditions.
The story of the indecent assault on the victim went viral over the weekend when Omolara James did a video alleging that Bebex and his boys assaulted her because she refused his advances.
She reported the matter to the Police at Olosun Division and she was allegedly forced to make another video, saying Bebex meant well.
However, not satisfied how the matter was handled, the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency took up the matter and got the Police Commissioner involved.
During interrogation, the CP, Mr. Idowu Owohunwa, found Bebex culpable and ordered for his arrest including other suspects involved in the alleged assault.
The Police boss, Owohunwa, who also found the DPO culpable and relieved him of his duty with immediate effect, then directed the Command’s provost to investigate all Police officers involved in the collection of money from Mrs. James before following her to effect the arrest of the suspects including officers who forced her to make the second video for disciplinary action.