Defendant in court over alleged damage to neighbour’s properties

A b2-year-old man, John Iroegbu, on Tuesday, appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, on charges of damage to neighbour’s property and threat to life.

Iroegbu, a resident of Shola Gbeleyi St, in the Ipaja area of Lagos, is standing trial before the Magistrate, Mr L.A Owolabi, on a four-counts charge.

The charges bordered on: conduct likely to breach public peace, unlawful killing of animal, threat to life, and willful damage.

He, was alleged to have threatened to harm a co-tenant, one Mr Amobi Chime, and also threatened to kill his dog, a German Shepherd .

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Insp John Iberedem, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Dec. 24, 2024, at Shola Gbeleyi St, in Ipaja.

He, alleged that there had been disagreement between the defendant and Chime, the nominal complainant.

“He threatened to kill him if he came out to save his dog , a german shepherd, which he killed and is valued N500,000.

“The defendant had on the same day, damaged the dog’s cage valued N70,000, a water tank valued N25,000, and a big rubber valued N80,000.

“He also damaged an iron burglary valued N40,000, and a kitchen door net valued N50,000,” he said

According to prosecution the value of damaged items belonging to the complainant, amounted to N265,000.

The defendant was also alleged to have conducted himself in a manner likely to breach peace, by invading Chime’s apartment, to destroy the properties

The offences contravenes the provisions of sections 56(2), 168, 347 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

NAN reports that section 347, provides for a penalty of two years imprisonment, if found guilty of unlawful killing of an animal.

Section 56 provides for a penalty of three years imprisonment if found guilty of threatening violence.

The Magistrate, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300, 000, with two sureties in like sum.

Owolabi ordered that a proof of tax clearance, and verification, must be provided by the sureties.

He, consequently, adjourned the case until Feb. 4, for mention