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The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a landlord, Okechukwu Chukwunahi, over what it described as ‘trial by ordeal’ after his tenants reported that he took their names to a shrine following a misunderstanding at their residence in the state.
Chukwunahi, 44, who is facing two-count bordering on conspiracy and trial by ordeal, was arraigned before an Ojo Magistrate’s Court in the state.
The prosecution counsel, Dr Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on February 21, 2023, at Ira Quatres, Ojo, Lagos.
He said following a misunderstanding with his tenants, the defendant resorted to taking their names to the shrine of a deity known as ‘Arusi Okija’.
The prosecutor said the complainants, Onyeka Ibeabuchi and Chimezie Ezeuka, who were Chukwunahi’s tenants, received a call from the herbalist of the shrine, who invited them to appear in person before February 27, or risk death.
The prosecutor said the defendant had initially referred the matter for mediation and later to a court in Badagry but feeling unsatisfied, resorted to illegal means of trial by ordeal at the shrine.
According to him, the offence committed contravened the provisions of Sections 127 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
However, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate L.J.K Layeni granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.
He adjourned the case until Mach 20.
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