A 30-year-old labourer, Ebo Ikechukwu, who allegedly beat two policemen to a pulp, on Wednesday appeared before an Apapa Magistrates’ Court, Lagos. The accused, a resident of No. 14, Turner Ojo Road, Ajegunle, a Lagos suburb, is facing a two-count charge of assault and unlawful damage. The prosecutor, Cpl. John Iberedem, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 14 at Amore Street, Olodi- Apapa.

Iberedem said the accused assaulted two police officers — Ebute Bernard and Haruna Kayode — by beating them up, while performing their lawful duty. He said the accused was caught roaming the street at about 1.00 a.m. and was questioned by the policemen. Iberedem said Ikechukwu could not give any tangible reason for staying out late.

“The police officers arrested him.The accused became very violent and started beating them. “Ikechukwu also damaged the windscreen of a bus valued at N 30,000 belonging to one Mr Bamidele Muyideen.” The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 171 and 337 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 171 prescribes a three-year jail term for assault occasioning harm, while Section 337 provides three years for unlawful damage. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. The Senior Magistrate, Mr G.L. Otepo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum. He adjourned the case till June 20 for mention.

NAN