A 30-year-old businessman, Oluwatimilehin Olorunfunmi, yesterday appeared before the Okitipupa Chief Magistrate’s court in Ondo State over alleged assault and threat to life.

The defendant, whose address was not given, is facing a three-count charge of misdemeanour, assault and threat to life.

The prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, told the court that the defendant and one other at large committed the offences on April 26 at about 2:00 p.m. at Market Square, Okitipupa.

Orogbemi said that the defendant assaulted the complainant, Mrs Abiodun Akinyemi, by slapping her over an undisclosed argument.

He said that the defendant also threatened to kill her.

Orogbemi said the offences contravened Sections 517, 351 and 86, Criminal Code, Cap.37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Philip Akinlosetu, granted the defendant bail of N200,000 and one surety in like sum.

He added that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and present evidence of two years of tax payment to the state government.

He adjourned the case to August 29 for a hearing.