Man, 54, Batters Eko DISCO Staff For Attempting To Disconnect Light Over Unpaid Bill

MICHAEL AKINOLA 

A staff of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Adeniyi Matthew, may likely not use his mouth to eat food properly over a period of time as he was battered for attempting to disconnect light over unpaid electricity bill in line of duty in Lagos State. 

P.M.EXPRESS reports that Matthew was brutally attacked, beaten mercilessly and injured on his mouth by an angry 54-year old man, Olajide Aro, for attempting to disconnect their light.

 

The incident happened at Ogbe Close, Iwaya, Lagos, where Matthew went to perform his duty over accumulated electricity bill.

 

Operatives from the Lagos State Police Command have arrested the suspect, Olajide Aro and charged him before the Court for the alleged assault on the victim.

 

Mr. Aro was consequently arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court, Yaba, Lagos, before the Presiding Magistrate, Mr. P. Nwaka, on four counts of assault, breach of peace, obstruction of legitimate duties, and causing physical injuries.

According to the Police, the defendant, had on 18th July,2024, assaulted one Adeniyi Matthew, a staff member of the Eko Electricity Distribution Company, while he was trying to perform his legitimate duty.

The defendant and others now at large had conspired to forcefully disallow the EKEDC worker from disconnecting the power supply of consumers who were owing.

During the heated argument, Olajide allegedly gave Adeniyi a fist blow on his face causing him to sustain a cut on his lips, and then further tore his shirt and pushed him away.

The matter was reported to the Sabo Police Station. He was arrested and detained at the station for interrogation over his alleged conduct.

 

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to assaulting the complainant, claiming he did not mean to, but things got out of hand, and it was the work of the devil.

 

He was found culpable and charged before the Court over the alleged offence under the Criminal Laws of the State.

 

The prosecutor, Supol Thomas Nurudeen, informed the Court that the alleged offence was committed on July 18, 2024, contravening Sections 411, 168(d), 116(1), and 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015.

The prosecutor also said that the wound, the complainant’s statement, the torn shirt, and statements from the investigating officer serve as evidence that the alleged offences were committed.

However,  he pleaded not guilty.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Nwaka, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment while addresses will be verified by the Court.

 

The matter was adjourned till 11th September, 2024, for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the correctional center at Ikoyi, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.