CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 33-year-old man, Nwobodo John, has been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate Court for allegedly conspiring and assaulting a Police officer, Inspector Christiana Onogwu, while on duty in Ikeja.
According to the charge sheet, the incident occurred at about 3:30 PM at Oriyomi Junction by Kodesho Street, Ikeja, within the Lagos Magisterial District.
The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police against Nwobodo John and others said to be at large now.
The first count accused the defendant and others of conspiracy to commit a felony. Prosecutors alleged that they acted together at the said time and place to commit the offence.
This is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The second count specifically mentioned Inspector Christiana Onogwu as the victim. Prosecutors alleged that Nwobodo John and others unlawfully assaulted her while she was performing her lawful Police duties.
The charge sheet stated that the defendant allegedly gave a fist blow to the officer’s forehead, which resulted in injury.
This offence was listed as contrary to Section 171and punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015.
The matter was processed at Area F Command, Ikeja, Lagos, with Tawa Gbadamosi listed as the Police officer in charge.
The case file was also forwarded through the District Prosecutor’s Office, Ogba, and has received DPP’s approval from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions, Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, SP Philip 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 him 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 Center pending when he will perfect his bail conditions.
Legal experts say assault on a Police officer while on duty is treated as a serious offence under Lagos State law. Conspiracy charges also attract significant penalties when proven in court.
Police authorities say investigations are ongoing to apprehend other suspects mentioned in the charge.
The court is expected to continue proceedings on the matter. All parties are presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.