BY PAUL IYOGHOJIE
Operatives of the Nigerian Police Zone 2 Command, Lagos, have arrested a commercial bus driver, Kabiru Olajide, 40, and charged him before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stabbing a couple after a dispute over payment for drinks.
The defendant was arraigned for allegedly assaulting Chimezie Okpoechi and his wife, Kate Okpoechi, after they demanded payment of ₦75,000 for beers and drinks allegedly consumed by Olajide and his friends at their bar located at 2, Olamide Igiaba Street, Oribanwa Phase 2, Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
Police also alleged that apart from assault occasioning bodily harm, the defendant and others destroyed properties including the windshield of a Toyota RAV4. The total value of the damaged properties was put at ₦5 million.
The police said the suspects fled the scene after the incident.
Following a petition by the couple to the Assistant Inspector General of Police, AIG Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, the Zone 2 Command launched an investigation that led to Olajide’s arrest at a hideout in Ibeju-Lekki.
Other suspects remain at large.
The defendant, a resident of Lakowe, Ibeju-Lekki, was charged before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos, on a five-count charge bordering on assault occasioning harm, malicious damage, stealing and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.
Police Prosecuting Counsel, Supol Reuben Solomon, told the Court in charge No. J/17/2026 that the defendant and others now at large committed the offence on 10 May, 2026 at the said address.
Solomon alleged that the defendant and his accomplices held a mini birthday party at the complainant’s bar and consumed beers and other drinks valued at ₦75,000. When the complainant demanded payment, the defendant and others allegedly refused and resorted to violence and destruction of property before fleeing.
The offences are punishable under sections 411, 314(1)(a), 350 and 168(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, according to the prosecution.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges. Magistrate T.O. Abayomi granted him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The Magistrate ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending perfection of bail conditions.
The case was adjourned to 17 July, 2026 for mention.