A 31-year-old driver, Tola Omoleke, on Thursday appeared before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, charged with pouring fuel on two police officers with intent 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, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde, told the court that the accused committed the offences on October 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,’’ said Olatunde.
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.
The Section 238 prescribes life imprisonment for offenders.
The accused pleaded not guilty 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 October 31 for mention.
