There was tension at the Ojo Magistrate Court in Lagos on Friday as a 35-year-old woman, Gift Ezeigbo, was arraigned over allegations of attempted arson and willful destruction of her landlord’s property.
Ezeigbo, who resides on Elemijaiye Street in the Etegbin area of Ojo, appeared before Magistrate F.O. Adesanya to face a six-count charge bordering on attempted arson, malicious damage, and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
She pleaded not guilty to all the charges when they were read to her.
The prosecutor, ASP Esther Adesulu, told the court that the alleged offences were committed on different dates between January 16 and June 27, 2026, within the same residential premises in Ojo.
According to the charge sheet, on January 16 at about 12:00 noon, the defendant allegedly set fire to the residential compound while other tenants had gone out for their daily activities. Residents reportedly raised the alarm before the fire could spread to other apartments.
ASP Adesulu further alleged that on February 3 at about 9:00 a.m., Ezeigbo willfully damaged a solar panel wire and a changeover switch belonging to one Amarachi Okorocha. The items were valued at ₦350,000.
The court also heard that on March 1 at about 11:25 p.m., the defendant allegedly attempted to ignite a gas cylinder inside the compound. The prosecution described the act as life-threatening and capable of causing an explosion that could have affected the entire street.
In another allegation, the prosecutor said that on April 7 at about 11:00 a.m., Ezeigbo damaged water pipes supplying all the apartments in the premises. The damage was estimated at ₦63,000 and left other tenants without water for days.
The prosecutor further told the court that on June 21 at about 7:00 p.m., the defendant allegedly damaged the entrance gate and security light of the premises. The cost of the damage was put at ₦300,000.
The final count stated that on June 27 at about 6:00 a.m., the defendant allegedly attempted to commit arson by lighting charcoal fire inside her apartment. The act reportedly caused thick smoke to spread across the entire premises, forcing neighbours to scamper for safety.
ASP Adesulu said the alleged offences contravened Sections 341, 342 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Legal experts say arson and malicious damage are serious offences under Lagos law and attract heavy penalties upon conviction. They also noted that the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by the court.
After listening to both sides, Magistrate Adesanya granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties are to provide evidence of tax payment and verifiable addresses. The case was adjourned to July 28 for mention to enable the prosecution to assemble witnesses.