Man, 67, Lands In Trouble For Standing N19.5m Surety For Absconded Suspect In Lagos

The accused was arraigned before Magistrate Mrs. O. Kusanu on a one-count charge of perverting the cause of justice. The prosecution is being led by SP Phillip Ademigbuji.

According to the charge sheet filed by the Police, the alleged offence occurred on the 24th of June, 2026 at about 2:00pm at CP Special Squad II, Lagos State Police Command, State Headquarters, G.R.A, Ikeja, Lagos, within the Lagos Magisterial District.

The prosecution told the court that Mr. George Taiwo ‘M’ with intent to pervert the cause of justice, took one Mr. Nofiu Ibrahim Dansabo ‘M’ on Police administrative bail.

Court documents stated that Mr. Nofiu Ibrahim Dansabo was involved in an alleged case of fraudulent conversion of Nineteen Million, Five Hundred Thousand Naira Only, N19,500,000.00, property of one Mr. Emeka Eugene Chimezie ‘M’.

The prosecutor alleged that Mr. Taiwo filled a “Bail Bond” and also swore to an affidavit to produce the suspect before the Police Command pending when the case would be settled or disposed of.

However, the prosecution said the 67-year-old surety was unable to produce Mr. Dansabo on demand by the Police.

The offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 97(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

Section 97(1) of the Criminal Law deals with acts that obstruct, prevent, or pervert the course of justice. Legal practitioners say the law places responsibility on sureties to ensure that suspects released on bail appear when required by law enforcement agencies.

When the charge was read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, SP Phillip Ademigbuji, asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O. Kusanu, granted the defendant bail with two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.

The matter was adjourned for mention while the defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Centre in Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.

The Investigating Police Officer in the matter was Sgt. Memunat Oladokun, attached to CP Special Squad 2, State Headquarters, Ikeja.

The case file has been duplicated and forwarded to the DPP’s office in Ogba for legal advice and further directives. The court said all exhibits and documents tendered in connection with the case, including the bail bond and affidavit sworn by the defendant, will be kept in the custody of the Police pending further proceedings.

The matter was adjourned to a later date for mention.

The case highlights the risks involved in standing as surety for suspects in criminal matters. Lawyers advise members of the public to understand the legal obligations attached to bail bonds before signing them. A surety who signs an affidavit and bail bond is legally bound to produce the defendant in court or at the Police station whenever demanded.

The case underscores ongoing efforts by the Lagos State Police Command to ensure that persons who stand as sureties for suspects fulfill their obligations to the justice system.

The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a Court of competent jurisdiction.