By Onozure Dania

Lagos – A sexagenarian, who stood surety for their neighbour, were yesterday arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, for allegedly failing to produce the person they stood surety for.

The defendants, Elijah Bamidele, 76, and Gideon Ajayi, 60, are facing a two count charge bordering on interfering with the administration of justice.

The Prosecutor, ASP Charles Odii, told the court that the duo committed the alleged offences on November 22, 2013, at the magistrate court 4 Igbosere, Lagos, when they stood surety.

He said that the defendants entered into recognisance in the sum of N2 million, in a case involving conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor also claimed that they were supposed to produce one Ngozi Eric, whom they stood surety for whenever needed by the court but that they failed to do so.                                                                                                                                According to the prosecutor, Bamidele and Ajayi, never produced the said Eric when she was needed on December 16, 2013 and other subsequent dates.

Odii, however, said that the two elderly men should be made to forfeit the two million Naira bail bond or show cause why they should not forfeit it to government.

He said that the alleged offence is punishable under Section 118 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge against them.

The Magistrate, Mr B. A. Sonuga, however, admitted them to bail on self recognisance.

He cautioned them to ensure that they produce the said Eric before the next adjourned date, otherwise face the law. He adjourned the case till January. 26, 2016 for mention.