MICHAEL AKINOLA
An obviously angry 77-year old landlord, John Okupa, has landed in trouble for taking laws into his hand by allegedly beating up his female tenant, Mrs. Ebele Nkwocha, as deterrent for owing him arrears of rent in Lagos State.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the landlord, Pa Okupa, has been arrested for the alleged assault on the victim and malicious damage of properties.
The incident happened at Jimmy Emefiele Street, Unity Estate, Amuwo Odofin area of Lagos, where the house is located.
The landlord was alleged to have invaded the victim’s apartment, broke the key to the apartment and beat her mercilessly over the rent arrears and left.
The matter was reported to the Police operatives at the Commissioner of Police X-Squad in Ikeja; Pa Okupa was arrested and detained at the Command for interrogation over his conduct.
During interrogation, he admitted to have done so and claimed that Mrs. Nkwocha was owing him arrears of rent and he waited for her to pay to no avail. He then decided to beat her up as deterrent for her not to owe him rent in the future.
The Police found him culpable and subsequently charged him before the Ogba Magistrates Court for the alleged offence.
However, he pleaded not guilty before the Court.
The prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, 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 granted him bail with conditions and adjourned the matter till 8th February, 2023, for mention while efforts were said to be ongoing in order to resolve the matter out of Court as the victim wants the beating to be exchanged with her arrears of rent.