Two men, Saheed Kareem, 24, and Adebakin Ope, 25, were arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate Court on Tuesday over allegations of conspiracy, stealing, and assault occasioning harm.
The charge was brought by the Lagos State Police Command. According to the prosecution, the incident occurred at about 10:10 PM on March 23, 2026, within the Ojo Magisterial District.
The prosecutor told the court that the defendants and other persons currently at large allegedly intercepted the complainant, Daniel Dairo, while he was walking in the area. It was alleged that the group forcefully collected a Huawei Android mobile phone valued at N220,000 from him.
The charge sheet further stated that during the incident, the complainant sustained bodily injuries and was taken for medical treatment afterward. A medical report was referenced by the prosecution to support the claim of assault.
Under Count I, the defendants were charged with conspiracy to commit felony, contrary to Section 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Count II bordered on stealing, while Count III related to assault occasioning harm.
Both Kareem and Ope pleaded not guilty to all three counts when they were read to them in court.
The prosecutor, SP Uche Simeon, informed the court that investigations were ongoing and asked for a date to enable the Police to present witnesses and evidence to prove the allegations.
The presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.K.J. Layeni, granted bail to the defendants. The court said the bail conditions include providing two sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and proof of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
Due to the conditions, the Magistrate ordered that the defendants be remanded in custody at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre pending when they perfect their bail. The case file indicated that the charge was signed by CSP Opeifa Omolola of Ojo Police Division.
In his submission, the prosecutor urged the court to give a trial date so that the matter could be heard expeditiously.
The Magistrate adjourned the case for mention and directed that all relevant documents be made available at the next sitting.
Legal practitioners who spoke after the proceedings said every accused person is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. They added that the court will determine the case based on evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence.