Driver remanded for allegedly stabbing couple over N75,000 beer bill in Lagos

By Paul Iyoghojie

A 40-year-old commercial bus driver, Kabiru Olajide, has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre after he was arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court in Lagos for allegedly stabbing a couple who demanded payment for N75,000 worth of beer and drinks consumed at their bar.

Olajide was docked on a five-count charge bordering on assault occasioning harm, malicious damage, stealing and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace.

According to the police, the incident occurred on May 10, 2026, at a bar located at 2, Olamide Igiaba Street, Oribanwa Phase 2, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, owned by Chimezie Okpoechi and his wife, Kate Okpoechi.

The prosecution alleged that Olajide and his accomplices, who are still at large, organised a mini birthday celebration at the bar where they consumed beers and other drinks valued at N75,000. Trouble reportedly started when the couple requested payment for the drinks.

Rather than settle the bill, the suspects allegedly attacked the bar operators, with Olajide accused of stabbing the couple with a broken bottle and inflicting injuries on them.

The suspects were also alleged to have vandalised several properties, including the windshield of a Toyota RAV4, with the total damage estimated at N5 million, before fleeing the scene.

Following the incident, the victims petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, who directed a special investigative team to track down those responsible.

Police said intelligence gathering and surveillance led to Olajide’s arrest at a hideout in Ibeju-Lekki, while efforts are ongoing to apprehend the remaining suspects.

Prosecuting counsel, Superintendent of Police Reuben Solomon, told the court that the defendant committed the offences alongside accomplices who remain at large. He added that the offences contravene Sections 411, 314(1)(a), 350 and 168(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Olajide pleaded not guilty to all the charges.

Magistrate T.O. Abayomi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The magistrate, however, ordered that Olajide be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre pending the perfection of his bail conditions and adjourned the matter until July 17, 2026, for mention.