CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 45-year-old man, Mr. Ejike Okafor, has been brought before a Lagos Magistrate Court over an allegation of assaulting his wife, Elizabeth Okafor. The matter was filed by the Commissioner of Police, Lagos State, under the criminal jurisdiction of the magistrate court.
According to the charge sheet, the incident was said to have occurred on the first day of April, 2026, at No. 13, Ijero Street, Agiliti, Mile 12 area of Lagos. The address falls within the Lagos Magisterial District where the case is being heard.
The Police alleged that Mr. Okafor assaulted Elizabeth Okafor, described in the document as his wife. The prosecution stated that a cane was allegedly used during the incident, which led to the intervention of law enforcement officers.
The charge sheet further stated that the alleged action resulted in bodily harm to the complainant. The offence is said to be punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015, which addresses assault occasioning harm.
The case was handled by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer listed on the document is PC. Osho Adetola, who is attached to the unit that handles domestic-related matters.
The prosecution team is led by ACP. Oluwatoyin Kazeem, according to the charge document presented to the court. The Gender Section typically handles cases relating to domestic and gender-based violence across the state.
However, during proceedings, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The prosecutor, SP Philip Ademigbuji, then asked the court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to present evidence and prove the allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties. The magistrate ordered that the sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The matter was adjourned 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 as directed by the court.
Legal observers noted that Section 172 of the Lagos Criminal Law deals with assault occasioning harm. Cases under this section are usually heard to determine facts, evidence, and applicable penalties if the prosecution is able to prove its case.
Under Nigerian law, every person charged with an offence is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Mr. Okafor has the constitutional right to defend himself and to be represented by counsel during trial.
The court is expected to review evidence, listen to both sides, and make a determination based on the law and facts presented. Until then, the allegations remain unproven claims contained in the charge sheet.
Members of the public with information related to domestic disputes are often advised to contact the Nigeria Police or the Lagos State Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency for support and guidance. The court process will continue at dates to be fixed by the magistrate.