The police in Lagos state today February 8, arraigned six suspects before the Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly attacking, assaulting and blackmailing Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State on Monday, February 5.
The actress was harassed at the market after she was accused of purchasing items using a fake bank alert. Read here.
The suspects, made up of four women and two men, were accused of allegedly attacking, assaulting and blackmailing the popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal.
The police charged Qudus Jokogbola, Siri Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed and Opere Morenike with conspiracy, breach of peace and causing bodily harm. The Prosecutor, Insp Samuel Isholla told the court that the six defendants and two others at large, committed the alleged offence on Feb. 5, 2024, at about 1.30p.m, at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
Counsel to the defendants S. Ade Oshodi and Ademola Olabiyi, announced their appearance for the defendants and nominal complainant’s lawyer respectively.
Prosecutor Isholla informed the court that the defendants and two others at large, conspired among themselves and forcefully pushed and dragged the complainant Anjorin-Lawal, causing her bodily injuries. The prosecutor also told the court that the defendants’ actions caused a breach of public peace. He told the court that the offence committed by the defendants contravened sections 168(d), 170(b) 411 and 413(2) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 413(2) stipulates a two-year jail term for anyone found guilty of causing injury to a person or reputation of any person, or to depreciate the value of any person or property.
The defendants, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their not guilty plea, their lawyer, Oshodi, who led other six lawyers, informed the court that all his clients were market men and women. He therefore urged the court to admit them to bail in the most liberal terms.
Responding to the lawyer’s request, the prosecutor told the court that granting of bail is at court’s discretion but said that the court should admit them to bail in terms and conditions that will ensure their attendance in court.
While delivering his ruling, Magistrate A.A Paul admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N200, 000, with one surety in like sum. The magistrate also ordered the sureties must be residents of Lagos State with evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government, among others. The magistrate also directed that the defendants should be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), until they perfect their bail terms.
The case was been adjourned until March 11, for mention.