Five people including the Assistant Chief Registrar of Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, on Thursday appeared in an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with arson and wilful damage.
The accused — Ridwan Yussuf, 29; Godwin Obadiah, 20; Yemi Olaluwoye, 60; Lateef Balogun, 40; and the Assistant Chief Registrar, Salman Adeoye, 55 — are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, negligence and arson.
The accused, however, entered a `not guilty’ plea.
But Prosecutor Chinalu Uwadione insisted that the accused committed the offences on March 11 at about 3.30 p.m. on Tapa Street, Lagos Island.
“The accused wilfully and unlawfully set fire to a storage facility and exhibits building on Tapa Street, Lagos Island.’’
Insp. Uwadione said the accused failed to take necessary precautions by informing the Fire Service Department to put out the fire at the Lagos State Judiciary storage facility where crucial exhibits were kept.
The offences contravened Sections 249 (g) (h), 339, and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Ruling on the bail application of the accused, the Chief Magistrate, Mrs Oluyemisi Adelaja, admitted them to a bail of N500, 000 each with two sureties each in like sum.
She said the addresses and means of livelihood of the sureties should be verified by the prosecutor.
The case was adjourned to May 18 for mention. (NAN)
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