Court grants ₦20m bail as four Ibeju-Lekki elders face charges of violence, vandalism

By Paul Iyoghojie

Four elders from Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, have been arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court, on allegations of malicious damage and inflicting bodily harm on four prominent community leaders.

The elders- identified as Morufu Higara (72), Mustapha Nureni (79), Yakubu Aliu, and Wasiu Shitta (52), were arrested by operatives of Zone 2 Police Command, Lagos, following a petition lodged by the complainants.

According to the prosecution, the incident occurred on 10 August 2025 at Magbon Alade, Ibeju-Lekki, when the defendants allegedly invaded a disputed property, vandalised window glasses valued at ₦200,000, and assaulted the complainants: Chief Ololade Babatunde, Chief Anofi Balogun Ogunbomowo, Chief Rafiu Adekoya, and Chief Sikiru Olusesi.

Police prosecutor, ASP Ibrahim Haruna, told the court that the defendants attacked the complainants after they challenged them over the alleged destruction of property.

Following a formal petition, the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, ordered their arrest. An investigation led by ASP Oladiti Olaide Morufat culminated in the charges filed against them.

The defendants are facing a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, malicious damage, and assault occasioning bodily harm, offences said to contravene Sections 422, 173, 339, and 350 of the Lagos State Criminal Law, 2015.

The accused persons, however, pleaded not guilty. Presiding Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji granted them bail in the sum of ₦5 million each, with two sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned to 24 October 2025 for mention.