Landlord Remanded Over Illegal Ejection

A landlord, Morufu Sanmi, 52, has been arraigned by the police on a four-count charge of malicious damage, illegal ejection, assault and stealing.

The police prosecutor alleged in charge No. D/15/2012 that the accused was arrested following a complaint lodged by a tenant, Babatunde Kaffo, that his landlord on 28 October, 2011 at 56, Adeniji-Adele Road, Lagos Island, invaded his apartment with some suspected hoodlums, beat him up mercilessly and forcefully ejected him over outstanding rent arrears.

He disclosed further that in the process, the landlord and his accomplices damaged his door, cooking stove, pressing iron, ceiling fan, standing fan and Sharp television set.

He also alleged that the hoodlums hired by the landlord stole his Nokia phone valued at N11,000, cash of N240,000 and 450 pounds.

The offences, the prosecutor, ASP Julius Oyakhilome, claimed contravened Sections 409, 337(1), 285 and 170 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2011.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges and Magistrate A. F. O. Botoku, admitted him on bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety who must show proof of tax payment to the Lagos State government.

She adjourned the matter till 14 May, 2012 for mention.

The accused was remanded in Ikoyi Prison when he could not perfect his bail conditions before the court closed for the day.

—Paul Iyoghojie