By Adaeze Iroha
Lagos – A 48-year-old man, Innocent Macaulay, who allegedly threatened his neighbour’s life over a landed property, was on Friday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
Macaulay, who resides at Shomolu, Lagos, is facing a two-count charge on breach of the peace and threatening violence.
According to the Prosecutor, Sgt. Modupe Olaluwoye, the defendant committed the offences at 10.30a.m. on March 11 at No. 27, Efon-Alaye St., Shomolu, Lagos.
Olaluwoye said that the defendant and the complainant, Mr Joseph James, resolved a land dispute at the Lagos Mediation Centre but the defendant was unhappy.
According to her, the mediation was settled in favour of the complainant and the property, held by the defendant’s family for over 45 years was returned to the complainant.
“The defendant was not happy about the settlement; he went to the complainant’s house, threatening to kill him and his whole family if he would not relinquish the property to him.
“My lord, the defendant told the complainant that he was a cultist and that he would cut his whole family into pieces.
“He went to the complainant’s house with 10 men, threatening violence and creating a scene,” Olaluwoye said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the alleged offences contravene Sections 56 and 168 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
NAN reports that threatening violence is punishable with one year imprisonment.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluwatoyin Oghere, admitted the defendant to N20, 000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
She ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until June 26 for mention.