Landlord Assaults Couple While Sleeping

A 43-year-old landlord, Dayo Ajayi, appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, charged with assault on a couple while they were sleeping.

The accused, who resides at No.14, Kelani St., Surulere, Lagos state, is facing a two-count charge of burglary and assault.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Gbenga Salami, told the court that the accused committed the offences at 11.20 a.m., on March 13 at his residence.

He said that the accused forcefully broke the door and entered into the couple’s apartment because they owed him house rent.

The prosecutor added that, “After breaking into the apartment, the accused hit the couple’ back and fingers with broken bottles when they were sleeping and ordered them to pack out of his house that night.

“Neighbours begged the accused but he refused ; and an eyewitness had to alert the police who then came and arrested him.’’

Salami said the offences contravened Sections 171 and 404 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 171 provides that anyone who unlawfully assaults another and thereby does harm to him, is guilty of felony and is liable to three years’ imprisonment.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Olajuwon, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government and must be residents of Lagos and have genuine means of livelihood.

She adjourned the case till June 24 for trial. (NAN)