NAN-H-24
Surety
By Deborah Akpede
Lagos, Oct. 18, 2016 (NAN) A Lagos businessman, Wasiu Lawal, who failed to produce the person he stood surety for, was on Tuesday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
Lawal, 51, a resident of Agege area of Lagos State, is facing trial for conspiracy and perversion of justice.
However, Magistrate O. A. Gbajumo, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N20, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Gbajumo adjourned the case to Oct. 30 for trial.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Unah, had told the court that the accused committed the offence on Nov. 23, 2015 at the Divisional Crime Office, Dopemu Police Station, Agege, Lagos.
Unah alleged that the accused conspired with one other now at large to obstruct and pervert the course of justice.
“The accused stood as a surety for Fatai Azeez, who was arrested for alleged fraud and stealing.
“Azeez obtained N2.6 million from Musa Mohammed for business and later issued a dud cheque to him which was dishonoured due to insufficient fund.
“Azeez was then granted N500, 000 bail and released to the accused, who promised to produce him on Jan. 30, 2016 and other subsequent dates till the case is finally disposed off.
“The accused is hereby called upon to show course why the sum of N500, 000 bond executed by him should not be forfeited,’’ the prosecutor said.
He said that the offences contravened Section 97 (1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Section 97 (1) provides seven years imprisonment for perversion of justice. (NAN)
DOA/DEB/GOK
Edited by Debo Oshundun/Olagoke Olatoye