The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a 46-year old woman, Titilayo Osaisonmwan, over the alleged assault of a man, Abayomi Obagunla, by tearing his shirt in public at Ogundare Estate, Ikeja.
According to the charge sheet filed by the Commissioner of Police, the incident allegedly occurred in March at about past six in the evening at a Block on Ikola Road, Ogundare Estate, within the Ikeja Magisterial District.
The case was processed through Area P Command, Lagos before being forwarded to the Directorate of Public Prosecutions for legal advice.
In the first count, the prosecution alleged that Titilayo Osaisonmwan conspired to commit felony, to wit assault. The offence is said to be contrary to the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The second count alleged that on the same date and place, the defendant unlawfully assaulted Abayomi Obagunla and tore his T-shirt valued at fifty thousand Naira in public.
The prosecution stated that the alleged malicious damage is punishable under the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Court documents showed the charge was signed in May with approval from the Directorate of Public Prosecutions at the Lagos State Ministry of Justice.
The matter was also entered into the Lagos State Criminal Information System with an identification number in the middle of June.
The charge sheet also referenced the Area Commander of Area P Command, Lagos, during administrative processing of the file.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to her in court.
The prosecutor, Superintendent of Police Josephine Ihkayere, then asked the Court to give a date for hearing to enable the Police to prove the allegations against the defendant.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted her bail with two sureties. The court ordered that the sureties 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 at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.
Legal experts say assault and damage to property are criminal offences under Lagos law and such matters are usually treated with seriousness by the courts.
They added that tearing a person’s clothing in public can be interpreted as assault and malicious damage, and offenders may face prosecution if found guilty.
Every accused person remains innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction.