Man, 58, Arraigned For Allegedly Punching Wife In Bariga Assault

CYRIACUS IZUEKWE 

A 58-year-old man, Innocent Ahans, has appeared before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly assaulting his wife physically at their residence in the Bariga area of Lagos State. The defendant was brought before the court following a detailed investigation by the Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command based in Ikeja.

According to the official charge sheet, the incident occurred on April 28, 2026, at the couple’s residence located at No. 37 Ekemogun Street, Bariga, Lagos. The prosecution alleged that the defendant, Innocent Ahans, engaged in a domestic dispute that quickly escalated into physical violence against his spouse.

The Police layout stated that the victim, 45-year-old Hannah Innocent, suffered severe facial trauma after being struck with a fist blow on her face during the altercation. Supervising the case from the Gender Section is Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Oluwatoyin Kazeem, alongside the Investigating Police Officer (IPO), Corporal David Sunday.

Police prosecutors stated that the actions of the defendant contravened Section 170 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, Nigeria, 2015. The offence is punishable under Section 172 of the same statute, which strictly prohibits unlawful physical assaults against citizens. Legal representatives noted that the case file is also being prepared for review by the Directorate of Public Prosecutions (DPP) under the Lagos State Ministry of Justice. [1, 2]

The Gender Section of the Lagos State Police Command reiterated its commitment to ensuring zero tolerance for domestic violence across the state. However, when the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegation.

Following the plea, the Prosecutor, Inspector Lucky Ihiehie, asked the court to give a specific date for a hearing to enable the Police to bring forward witnesses and prove the allegations against the accused.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Tanimola, granted the defendant bail with two sureties. The sureties must show clear evidence of their means of livelihood, residential addresses, and up-to-date tax payment proof to the court.

The matter was adjourned for mention, while the defendant was remanded in the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions. Legal experts note that the defendant is strictly presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.