Teenager in court for alleged damage of VIO’s vehicle

A 17-year-old boy, Habib Onipede, who allegedly damaged a vehicle belonging to the Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO), was on Friday docked at an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Onipede, whose address was not given, is facing a two-count charge of a breach of the peace and unlawful damage.

The prosecutor, Insp. Igonbo Emby, told the court that the accused committed the offences with some others still at large on March 29, at 4:00p.m., on Victoria Island, Lagos.

He said the accused threw stones at the complainant, Mr Saka Kamorudeen, an officer of VIO, while he was carrying out his official duty.

“The accused unlawfully damaged the head lamp and the rear lamp of a Toyota Hilux belonging to the VIO, valued at N70, 000,’’ he said.

The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 166 (1) and 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Our correspondent reports that Section 166 stipulates a N15, 000 fine for the first offence and a fine of N45, 000 or a three-month imprisonment or both for every subsequent offence.

The counsel to the defence, Mrs Helen Ibeji, urged the court to grant his client bail on liberal terms.

The magistrate, Mr W. B. Balogun, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with one surety in like sum.

Balogun said the surety should be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).

The magistrate adjourned the case until April 24 for mention.