LAGOS – Five businessmen, who allegedly held hostage some council health workers, were on Wednesday in Lagos charged before a Somolu Magistrates’ Court.
The accused are Sesan Olorunda, 43; Olumuyiwa Ekundayo, 47; Anthony Okolie, 32; Lawrence Junior, 35; and Bukola Abraham, 35.
The accused, who reside at Onipanu and Surulere areas of the metropolis, are being tried for conspiracy, deprivation of liberty and obstruction.
The prosecutor, ASP Akinlabi Adegoke told the court that the accused had on March 27 held some environmental sanitation officials from Somolu Local Government hostage.
“The officials have reportedly sanctioned the businessmen by locking up their shops for failing to keep their environment clean.
“The five men, who operate printing press at No.156-160, Ikorodu Road, were given notice to clean up their surrounding but failed to do so,’’ he alleged.
According to the prosecutor, the local government officials and the health officials led by Mrs Eseoghene Salami were locked up in the compound for several hours.
“Mrs Salami and her team were held hostage and locked up in the premise by the accused.
“The accused insisted that they would not release the officials unless their shops were re-opened.’’
Adegoke said the offences contravened Sections 112, 270 and 409 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The all pleaded not guilty.
The Magistrate, Mrs Bola Osunsanmi, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
The case was adjourned to May 7 for mention. (NAN)
