Two men: Chimezie Omugor; 30, and Mohammed Auwal; 38, were on Tuesday brought before an Apapa Chief Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ajegunle, Lagos, over alleged possession of suspected cocaine, Indian hemp as well as for assault.
The defendants, who reside in Abule-Ado area near Festac Town in Lagos State are facing a four-count charge of being in possession of the stolen property, conspiracy, assault and a breach of the peace.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the first defendant; Omugor, pleaded not guilty to the first count of being in possession of suspected stolen property levelled against him.
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The second defendant; Auwal, pleaded guilty to the three counts of conspiracy, assault and a breach of the peace preferred against him by the police.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Insp. Benedict Aigbokhan had told the court that the defendants committed the offences at 3.44p.m., on Aug. 24, in Abule-Ado area of Lagos.
He alleged that the first defendant (Omugor) was assaulted by the second defendant (Auwal) and his accomplice who is still at large.
According to him, Auwal’s accomplice had a misunderstanding with Omugor and they conspired with Auwal to beat up Omugor.
Aigbokhan added that during the fight, some policemen on patrol duty separated them and were able to apprehend the two defendants.
“My Lord, it was when the policemen searched the defendants that they found some substances suspected to be cocaine and Indian hemp on the first defendant,” he said.
NAN reports that Section 329 stipulates a six- months jail term for being in possession of the stolen property while Section 172 stipulates one-year imprisonment for the offence of assault.
The chief magistrate, Mrs Joy Ugbomoiko, granted the first defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must have close and personal relationships with the first defendant.
Ugbomoiko ordered that the second defendant who pleaded guilty be kept in police custody at the Trade Fair Complex Police Station pending the review of the facts of his case and sentencing.
She adjourned the case until Aug. 28 for a review of the facts and sentencing and also to Oct. 3 for mention.
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