One Adeigbagbo Harrison, standing trial for allegedly parading himself as a Lagos chief if found guilty may spend time in prison.
Policemen from Force Criminal Investigation Department (ForceCID) Headquarters, Abuja, today, arraigned Harrison, before court 1, of Igbosere Chief Magistrate Court, Lagos today.
Harrison was arraigned before Magistrate E. O. Ogunkanmi, on a two-count charge of of false representation and Conduct likely to breach public peace.
The offences are contrary to and punishable under Sections 484 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code Act of Nigeria.
Arraigning the defendant, the prosecutor, Mr. Morufu Animashaun leading SP Mallum, told the court that the defendant sometimes in January 2023, with an intent to defraud, falsely claimed to be the Baale of Itodo Community, in Eti-Osa Local Government Area of Lagos State.
The prosecutors also told the court that the defendant’s alleged illegal act, caused a breach of public peace within the Itodo Community, after he falsely claimed to be the traditional head of the community.
Meanwhile, the defendant denied the allegations and pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the defendant’s not guilty plea, Animashaun asked for a trial date, while equally urging the court to remand him till the determination of the charges.
But the defendant’s lawyer Opeyemi Owolabi, urged the court to admit his client to bail in the most liberal terms, adding that his client is a first time offender, who did not have any record of criminal.
Magistrate Ogunkanmi, in his ruling on the bail application, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N5 million with two responsible sureties.
One of the sureties must be a White Cap Chief in Lagos State, while the other surety must be a Grade Level 17, in Lagos State government establishment.
Magistrate Ogunkanmi has ordered the remand of the defendant in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), till the perfection of the bail conditions.
The matter has been adjourned till April 24, 2023, for mention.
