MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 64-year old landlord, Samuel Famakinwa, has landed in trouble in Lagos State for allegedly disconnecting electricity and water supply from a tenant’s apartment in order to force him to vacate the apartment.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened at 9 Asungbolu Street, Igando, Lagos, where the tenant, Bolaji Eniola, rented an apartment.
The landlord was said to have done so after giving the tenant quit notice to move out but the tenant insisted that due process must be followed to eject him from the apartment.
The landlord has been charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate Court in Lagos on three counts bordering on breach of peace and unlawful disconnection under the Criminal Laws of the State, which attracts several years of imprisonment.
The prosecutor, Supol Benedict Aigbokhan, told the Court that the defendant committed the offences sometime in October 2023, by unlawfully disconnecting electricity cables, pipes supplying water to the apartment and conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace which contravened Sections 168 (1) (d), 247 and 340 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The Presiding Magistrate, K. A. Ariyo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood, should be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The matter was adjourned till 11th March, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional centre at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.