By Makua Ubanagu
Six traders were arraigned before the Chief Magistrate Court in Lagos Island Local Government on Thursday for allegedly assaulting and blackmailing Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal.
The defendants—Qudus Jokogbola, Suru Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Simiat Morenike—were charged while two other suspects are currently at large.
According to the prosecution led by Sola Samuel, the six defendants and two others conspired to commit the offence by forcefully pushing and dragging Anjorin-Lawal, causing her grievous bodily harm around 1:30 p.m. on Monday inside Oba Akintoye Market in Lagos Island.
Samuel told the court that the defendants’ actions caused a breach of public peace.
He said the offences contravened Sections 411 and 413; 168(d) and 170(b) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2015, and are punishable under the same Act.
All defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Defence lawyer, Ade Oshodi, urged the court to grant them bail in the most liberal terms, stating they were traders.
In his ruling, Magistrate A.A. Paul granted each defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety each.
The sureties must be Lagos residents with evidence of tax payment.
The defendants were remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services until they meet their bail terms.
The case was adjourned till March 11 for mention.
