23 October 2014, Lagos – A 31-year-old driver, Tola Omoleke, on Thursday appeared before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with pouring fuel on two police officers to set them ablaze.
Omoleke, who resides at No. 33, Moshalasi St., Ejigbo, Lagos, is being tried for threat to life and assault.
The prosecutor, Police Corporal Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 3 at Dopemu, Lagos.
He said the accused assaulted two police officers — ASP James Agboru and Cpl. Ali Sakuru — while performing their lawful duties.
“The accused assaulted the officers by fighting and punching them. He also poured fuel on the policemen and threatened to set them ablaze.
“It was the quick intervention of people that averted the disaster,” Olatunde told the court.
The prosecutor said the accused, who drove his car without a driver’s licence, damaged a Toyota Sienna car, property of one Mr Sheu Yisa, in his escape bid.
“The accused damaged a car while trying to escape from the law enforcement agents. He refused to stop but unfortunately for him his truck broke down at Dopemu.
“The complainants tried to arrest him but he resisted; instead, he started assaulting them,” he added.
According to Olatunde, the offences contravene Sections 172 and 238 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 238 of the Criminal Code prescribes life imprisonment for offenders.
The accused pleaded innocent after the offences was read out and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate, Mr Akeem Fashola, adjourned the case till Oct. 31 for mention.
*Vanguard
