An unemployed teenager, Sodiq Shomoye, was on Thursday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly damaging properties of a hotel worth N468,000.
Shomoye, a resident of Papa-Ajao, Mushin, Lagos, is being tried for conspiracy and damage to properties.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Aondohemba Koti said the accused committed the offences on March 11 at Balogun Street, Mushing near Lagos.
He said the accused and others still at large conspired to damage the properties of one Mr Salawudeen Abiodun.
“The accused and others unlawfully assembled themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of the peace by disturbing the peace of the residents.
“The accused and his accomplices came to a hotel belonging to Abiodun to have some drinks.
“Suddenly an argument ensured among them which degenerated into a fight.
“They started destroying the properties of the hotel.
“The accused damaged eight tables, four chairs, 25 cartons of beer, two standing fans, a toilet-sink stand and one washing machine, all valued at N468, 000.”
Koti said the complainant called the police and they could arrest the accused while the others ran away.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 166, 350 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 350 prescribes two years’ jail term for damage.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the offences and was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.
Magistrate A.O Tanimola said that the surety must be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until April 11 for mention.
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