NAN-H-13
Gunpoint
By Tomisin Erogbogbo
Lagos, Feb. 27, 2017 (NAN) A 36-year-old man, Japhet Kalu, who allegedly robbed a pedestrian of his belongings at gunpoint on the Idumota Bridge on Lagos Island, was on Monday charged before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court.
The accused, whose occupation was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and robbery.
Kalu’s plea was not taken by the magistrate, who ordered that he be remanded in prison.
The Magistrate, Mrs F.O. Ikobayo, directed that the case file should be duplicated and a copy sent to the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for advice.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Richard Odigie, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb. 7 with another man still at large on the Idumota Bridge in Lagos.
He said the accused and his accomplice, armed with a gun, robbed a pedestrian, Mr Sulaiman Sikiru, of his Lenovo phone worth N70,000 and N16,000 cash, all totalling N86,000.
“The accused is one of those touts that has dominated our bridges in Lagos.
“They live under the bridge and harass innocent citizens going about their daily business.
“Kalu and his accomplice collected all the valuables of the complainant at gunpoint as he was trekking home on the bridge,’’ Odigie said.
The offences contravened Sections 295 (1), (2), (a) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 295 carries a 21 years imprisonment, while Section 409 stipulates two years for offenders.
The case has been adjourned to March 22. (NAN)
TME/AIB/DA
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Edited by Abdulfatah Babatunde/Dele Akinsola