14th May, 2012
For allegedly damaging Lekki toll gate barriers to evade payment of N120 toll fare, a motorist, Idowu Obiniyi has been arrested by the police at Maroko Division, Lekki, Eti-Osa, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria.
He was charged before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court on a count charge of wilful and malicious damage of Lekki toll plaza barriers.
The police alleged in the charge sheet that the accused on 5 May, 2012 maliciously damaged the Lekki toll plaza barrier valued at N40,000, property of Lekki Concession Company, LCC, to evade payment of N120 toll charge.
The toll plaza operators, the police stated, pursued and caught up with him at the Falomo bridge, Ikoyi, Lagos. He was arrested and handed over to the police at Maroko Division.
His offence, the prosecutor, Inspector Clifford Ogu, stated contravenes Section 349(C) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. The accused caused a stir inside the court room when he was arraigned. He refused to enter the dock when his name was called and when asked why, he said nobody can try him.
In anger, the presiding magistrate Mrs. Makanju, who stood in for Mrs. Fabanwo stood down the matter to face other cases.
She ordered the prosecutor to detain him inside a cell within the court premises until he is ready to enter the dock.
About 30 minutes late, he agreed to enter the dock where he pleaded not guilty to the charge and Mrs. Makanju rejected oral bail application for him.
She directed his counsel to file a written bail application and adjourned the matter till 15 May, 2012.
She ordered that the accused be remanded in prison.
—Paul Iyoghojie