A Lagos Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Eti-Osa yesterday ordered the remand of a 23-year-old sales representative, Nifemi Friday, in the Kirikiri facility of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) on allegations of theft and defamation.

Magistrate T. F. Oyaniyi gave the order after the defendant pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge brought against her by the Nigerian Police. The charges, marked ET/C/18/2025, include the theft of goods worth N5.2 million from Obas Mall in Okun Ajah, Eti-Osa, and defamation of a businessman, Mr Lateef Lawal, and his wife.

Prosecutor Inspector Adeleye Ganiu, attached to the Ogombo Police Division, informed the court that the offences were allegedly committed on December 23, 2024, around 1:00 p.m. Ganiu stated that the defendant’s actions caused a breach of public peace by circulating voice messages on social media labelling Lawal and his wife as ritualists.

The prosecutor argued that the alleged offences contravened Sections 287 and 168(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Following her plea, Magistrate Oyaniyi granted the defendant bail of N500,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. The court adjourned the case until March 26 for mention.