Tenant docked over alleged interference with co-tenants, landlord’s property
Arraignment
By Adaeze Iroha
Lagos, March 10, 2020 (NAN) A 30-year-old tenant, Donald Ekwegba, was on Tuesday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged interference with his landlord’s property.
Ekwegba, who is an architect and a resident of Bariga area of Lagos, was also alleged to have locked up his co-tenants’ kitchen and disconnected the co-tenants’ gas and electricity.
The defendant is facing a two-count charge of breach of peace and unlawful interference with property.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Police Prosecutor, ASP Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the defendant committed the offences at 4 p.m. on Feb. 24, at No. 24, Oshifolarin St., Bariga, Lagos.
Nurudeen said that the Complainants, Miss Cynthia Grace and Miss Ada Grace, had unknowingly rented a mini flat from Ekwegba, who allegedly claimed he was the landlord of the building.
The prosecutor said that disagreement between the defendant and complainants, who were students, ensued when the actual landlord issued the defendant a quit notice.
Nurudeen said that when the actual landlord came to the building and met the complainants, they told him the situation of their tenancy agreement with the defendant.
“My Lord, when the defendant noticed that he had been exposed, he padlocked the complainants’ kitchen and hid the key.
“He went further to disconnect their electricity and cut the hose to their cooking gas,” he said.
The prosecutor said that the offences contravened Sections 168 (d) and 340 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2015. (Revised)
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 340 stipulates three years jail term for the offence of unlawful interference with property while Section 168 (d) carries three months imprisonment for breach of peace.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs K.B. Ayeye, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Ayeye said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of one year tax payment to Lagos State government.
The case was adjourned until April 15, for hearing. (NAN)
PAI/JI/AJA
=========
Edited by Joe Idika/Adeleye Ajayi