By BARTHOLOMEW MADUKWE

LAGOS – Ambulance operators in Mushin and Idi-Araba areas of Lagos, who protested over alleged extortion and molestation by some staff of Lagos University Teaching Hospital, LUTH, were, Monday, arraigned before a Cele Magistrate’s Court, Lagos.

According to the charge, the five accused persons were said to have last May 23, at 45, Onifade Street, Mushin, in Mushin Magisterial District did conspired with others now at large to commit felony contrary to and punishable under Section 516 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap. 38 Vol. II Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2004.

The five accused persons, Ismaila Arowolo,  Taiwo Balogun, Adewumi Ajayi, Rasaq Ogunsoki and Alaba Igidaduro, were alleged to have conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause breach of peace in a public place on the same date, time and place, thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 356 of the Criminal Code Cap 38 Vol. II  Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.

It was gathered that Babatunde Kuranga, chairman of LUTH’s branch of Non- Academic Staff Union, NASU, had some time informed the aggrieved ambulance operators that the hospital management will hold a meeting with them last April 27, regarding their activities on and around the hospital premises.

The ambulance operators claimed that Kuranga later told them that LUTH management had delegated some people to negotiate with them.

The accused persons were said to have been arrested by the police from Area ‘D’ Mushin. They pleaded not guilty to all the charges against them, while the matter was adjourned till March 25.