Court remands man over alleged assault of policeman

An Ogudu Magistrates’ Court, on Friday, ordered that a 23-year-old man, Chibuzor Okeke, who allegedly assaulted a policeman and tore his uniform be remanded in Kirikiri Correctional Centre.

The police charged Okeke, who resides in Lagos, with conspiracy, assault and wilful damage.

Magistrate M.O. Tanimola gave the order following a motion by the Prosecution Counsel, Insp Donjour Perezi, that the matter be referred to the Lagos State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for legal advice.

Tanimola, who did not take the plea of Okeke, directed the prosecutor to duplicate the case file and send it to the DPP for advice.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 30 for further mention.

Earlier, Perezi, told the court that Okeke and some persons at large, committed the offence on April 12, at 1.45 p.m at Ketu inward Tipper Garage, Lagos State.

He said that Okeke hit Sgt. Peter Apra, the police officer attached to Ketu on the arm and face while performing his lawful duties.

The police also said that Okeke willfully tore the uniform of the officer.

He said the offence contravened the provisions of sections 411, 174 (b) and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria reported that Section 174 (b) stipulates three years imprisonment for assault, while Section 350 prescribes a fine of N45, 000 or three months imprisonment for contempt on uniforms.