Man charged with damaging tradition ruler’s N1.5m TV set

A 35-year-old man, Samson Olaiya, who allegedly forcefully entered into the premises of a traditional ruler and damaged a television set worth N1.5 million, on Tuesday appeared at an Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a count charge of willful damage.

The prosecutor, ASP Benedict Aigbokhan, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 14, at 11.30 p.m., at Igando, Lagos State.

According to him, the defendant entered into the palace of Alakesan of Akesan Kingdom, Oba Ngimu Abidemi, and willfully damaged his LG Plasma television set worth N1.5 million.

Aigbokhan said that the offence contravened Section 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred by the police.

Our correspondent reports that Section 350 provides for two years’ jail term for willful damage.

The Magistrate, Miss K. A, Ariyo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ruled that the sureties must be gainfully employed and that one of them must be a blood relation of the defendant.

She also ordered that the sureties must show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.

Ariyo adjourned the case until Aug. 29 for mention.