CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 33-year-old man, Emmanuel Paul, was on Friday arraigned before an Ikeja Magistrate Court for allegedly biting a lady, 25, during a squabble in Lagos.
Paul was arraigned on a one-count charge of assault, an offence punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
The charge, with Charge No. 2026, was read to him before Magistrate L.A Owolabi.
Prosecuting, SP Josephine Ihkayere, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offence sometime in the month of March 2026 at No. 17, Memunat, Agric Ojo area Quarters, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District.
According to the charge sheet, Paul allegedly unlawfully assaulted one Emmanuel Rejoice, 25, by giving her a teeth bite on her shoulder and hitting her on her head during a squabble, which allegedly caused her injury.
The prosecutor said the alleged act is an offence punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
When the charge was read to him, Paul pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Following his plea, the prosecutor, SP Ihkayere, asked the court for a date for trial and urged the court to remand the defendant pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
In his ruling, Magistrate L.A Owolabi granted the defendant bail with two sureties.
The court ordered that the two sureties must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
Magistrate Owolabi further ordered that the defendant be remanded in the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
The matter was adjourned for further hearing.
The case was investigated by W/Inspector Abosede Badru of the Gender Section, Lagos State Police Command, Ikeja.
The charge sheet was signed by CSR Omolola Odutola, a Police Officer.
It is important to note that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.
Assault cases arising from squabbles are common before Magistrate Courts in Lagos, where the court is expected to determine from evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence whether the alleged offence was committed as stated in the charge.
The prosecution is expected to call witnesses, including the complainant, to prove its case beyond reasonable doubt, while the defence will have the opportunity to cross-examine the witnesses and present its own case.
Until the court delivers its judgment, Paul remains an accused person and not a convict.
The court will at the next adjourned date hear the matter and determine the next line of action, including whether the bail conditions have been perfected and when trial will commence.
Residents of Agric, Ojo area, where the alleged incident occurred, are expected to follow the proceedings as the case progresses in court.