CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 54-year-old man, John Omoera, was arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court over allegations of conduct likely to cause breach of the peace after he allegedly threw his wife’s belongings out of their matrimonial home in Lekki.
According to the charge sheet marked Charge No. 307/2025 filed by the Commissioner of Police, the incident occurred on June 26, 2026 at about 8:00am at House C4, Admiralty Estate, Alpha Beach, Lekki, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District 7.
The defendant, John Omoera, is facing a one-count charge. The Police alleged that Omoera conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by allegedly taking laws into his hands.
The prosecution further alleged that he forcefully threw out all the items belonging to his wife, Oluwarotimi Omoera, from their matrimonial home to the street. The Police stated that the action left the items vulnerable to being stolen or destroyed by rain. The offence is said to be contrary to Section 168 (d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The charge sheet was filed by the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja. The Investigating Police Officer is ASP Esther Igbineweka. The document bears LCIS No. 211627414 and was approved by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice, District Prosecutor Office, Ogba.
The case file also indicated that ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem signed as the Police Officer in charge of the filing.
The case was mentioned before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kasunu. The prosecution was led by SP Phillip Ademigbuji.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him in court.
After listening to submissions from the prosecution and defence, Magistrate Kasunu granted bail to the defendant. The bail conditions include two sureties. The sureties must have verified addresses and must provide evidence of means of living and payment of tax.
The court ordered that the defendant be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending when he will perfect the bail conditions.
Under Section 168 (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, any person who conducts himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace commits an offence. The law is often applied in cases of public disturbance, domestic altercations that spill into public spaces, and actions that expose people or property to danger.
Legal observers note that domestic disputes that escalate into public acts can attract criminal charges in Lagos, especially when property is exposed to the public. The law seeks to protect both persons and property while discouraging self-help.
A charge before the court does not amount to a conviction. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The matter was adjourned to a later date for mention to enable the defendant perfect his bail.
Police authorities say the matter was reported by the complainant, Oluwarotimi Omoera, and that investigation has been concluded. The case file has now been forwarded for prosecution.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about domestic disputes in residential estates across Lagos, with authorities urging couples to seek mediation through appropriate channels rather than resorting to actions that could lead to criminal liability.