Police Arraign 17 Traders For Trading On Yaba Rail Line

The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned 17 traders who sell food and second hand clothings on rail track at Yaba, before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, on a three-count charge of obstruction, conduct likely to cause breach of peace and trespassing.They allegedly trespassed by trading on the rail track on 17 March, 2011, when  President Goodluck Jonathan visited Lagos State. Their action, the police claimed, obstructed the moving train.

The offences according to the prosecutor, Mr. Lucky Ajeigbo, an Inspector of Police are punishable under Section 5, 459, 249(D) and 460(3) of the criminal code Cap. C17, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

While 16 the other 17 traders were docked on a three-count charge, Titus Okoma, was separately charged on a fourth count of stealing, threatening and illegal collection of N200 levy from the other traders. The offence is punishable under Section 406 of the criminal code Cap. C17, Laws of Lagos state of Nigeria, 2003.  They all pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The presiding magistrate, Mr. T. Abolarinwa, gave the 16 traders bail in the sum of N50,000 each with one surety each in like sum. The magistrate ordered that the surety must be blood related to the traders. Titus Okoma was admitted to bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case has been adjourned till 28 April, 2011 for trial.
—Paul Sanusi