MICHAEL AKINOLA
A 35-year old man, Ejike Nkwegwu, has been arrested and charged in Lagos State for allegedly slapping a Policeman, Inspector Balogun Adewale, inside the Area Command and inflicting injury on him.
P.M.EXPRESS reports that the incident happened on 21st October, 2024 at Area G Command in Ogba, Lagos.
The cause of the disagreement between the suspect and the victim was not disclosed by the Police. The Police alleged that the suspect seriously assaulted the victim while he was performing his lawful duty by slapping him on the face and hitting him with fist blows before he was rescued by other officers.
The suspect was immediately arrested and detained at the Command. He was consequently charged before the Ogba Magistrate Court for the alleged assault and obstruction of duty.
The charges read:
COUNT I: “That you, Ejike Nkwegu ‘M’ on the 21st day of October, 2024 at 1845hrs at Area G” Police Command, Ogba, Lagos, in the Ikeja Magisterial District, did seriously assault one AP/NO: 220352 INSR BALOGUN ADEWALE “M” attached to Area “G” Police Command, Ogba, Lagos, while carrying out his lawful duty by slapping him on his face and hitting him with fist blows and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 174 of the Criminal Law, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”
COUNT II:”That you, Ejike Nkwegu ‘M’ on the same date, time and place in the aforesaid Magisterial District, did obstruct and resist AP/NO: 220352 INSR BALOGUN ADEWALE “M” attached to Area “G” Police Command, Ogba, Lagos from carrying out his lawful duty and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 296 and punishable under Section 177of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.”
However, he pleaded not guilty when he was arraigned.
The prosecutor, Supol Akeem Raji, 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, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, 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 at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.