28th July, 2011
A Lagos landlord, Yinka Esho ,40, has been docked at the Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, Ojota and charged with the illegal ejection of his tenant.
The prosecutor, ASP Eyo Owai arraigned him on a three-count charge of conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.
He allegedly ejected his tenant at 11, Oluwaseyi Street, Oworonsoki, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria without due process.
He also threw out his property worth thousands of naira and in the process damaged his wooden bed valued at N18,000; LG Television valued at N23,000; LG DVD player worth N8,500; Sony Radio Cassette Player valued at N85, 000; Agana home theatre player valued at N16,500 and other personal effects valued at N800,000.
The total valued of the property was estimated at N875,000 by the police. The defendant also reportedly stole N300,000 cash belonging to his tenant, Adekoya Okeowo.
The police said the offence is punishable under Sections 249(1), 390{9} of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.
When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty and the trial magistrate, Mrs. Bola Williams admitted him on bail in sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.
One of the sureties, the magistrate directed, must be his blood relation and must pay two years tax to the Lagos State government.
The case has been adjourned till 22 August, 2011.for mention.
—Oluwatunmise Ige