Man, 23, Docked In Lagos For Allegedly Using 12-Year-Old Boy To Steal Father’s Money

Essen, who resides at Alhaji Bala Crescent, Isheri Oshun, Lagos, appeared before Magistrate Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Uthman on Charge No. ME2026. The case was prosecuted by SP Benedict Aigbokhan on behalf of the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State Command.

According to the charge sheet presented in court, the incident allegedly took place on June 1, 2026 at Alhaji Bala Crescent, Isheri Oshun, Lagos.

In Count One, the prosecution alleged that Essen conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace. The charge stated that he allegedly sent one David Ogada, a 12-year-old boy, to bring money from his father’s purse without the consent of the father. The offence was said to be contrary to Section 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

In Count Two, the prosecution further alleged that on the same date, time and place, Essen threatened to kill the said David Ogada if he failed to bring money to him from his father’s purse. This offence was said to be contrary to Section 56(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

When the two counts were read to him, Essen pleaded not guilty.

The Investigating Police Officer in the matter was W/ASP. Chegwe Caroline.

After hearing arguments from the prosecution, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Uthman, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of ₦1,000,000 with sureties in like sum. The court stated that the sureties must be responsible and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

The matter was adjourned to a later date while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

Legal practitioners say Section 168(d) of the Lagos Criminal Law addresses acts capable of causing public disturbance, while Section 56(1) deals with threats of violence. The sections are part of the state’s legal framework to protect peace and safety of residents.

Child rights groups in Lagos have continued to raise concerns over cases where minors are allegedly used in adult disputes. They say children should be protected from situations that expose them to risk or pressure.

The Lagos State Government, through the Ministry of Justice and relevant agencies, has urged members of the public to report any case involving the welfare of children to law enforcement agencies for proper investigation.

The court directed that all parties, including witnesses, should be present on the next adjourned date for the continuation of the case.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.