Herbalist arraigned for assaulting pastor in clash over land

A 53-year -old herbalist, Sunday Chukwueloka appeared at an Ajegunle Magistrates’ Court, Apapa, Lagos, on Friday, for allegedly assaulting and abusing a pastor. The defendant, a resident of Emmanuel Close, Shonibare Estate, was docked on a two-count charge of assault and threat to life. The Prosecutor, Sgt.Kolade Tedunjaye, said that the defendant and the complainant, […]

A 53-year -old herbalist, Sunday Chukwueloka appeared at an Ajegunle Magistrates’ Court, Apapa, Lagos, on Friday, for allegedly assaulting and abusing a pastor.

The defendant, a resident of Emmanuel Close, Shonibare Estate, was docked on a two-count charge of assault and threat to life.

The Prosecutor, Sgt.Kolade Tedunjaye, said that the defendant and the complainant, Mr Emmanuel Nwokolo, were landlords in the same area but their compounds were separated by a plot of land.

“The herbalist claimed that the owner of the land had given it to him, and the complainant who is a pastor also claimed that the open land was given to him as a gift.

“That was what brought about rancour between them and during their fight, the pastor’s N7,000 got missing, his shirt got torn and he was given a fist blow by the herbalist,” she said.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 172 and 350 of the Lagos State Criminal Code Laws, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the sections provide three month imprisonment for the offender on conviction.

The defendant however pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Mr B.M. Amore, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Amore said that the sureties must be resident within the magisterial district and adjourned the case till June 9 for continued trial. (NAN)