Niece Sets Uncle Ablaze In Lagos

The Law

Sholade Adegoke, a 39-year-old woman, was on Thursday brought before a Surulere Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, for allegedly set her uncle ablaze over refusal to move out of her apartment.

Adegoke is standing trial on a two count charges bordering on assault, resides at No. 23, Oyenuga St., Ijeshatedo, Surulere, Lagos.

Insp. Ikechukwu Edumodior, the Prosecutor, told the court that the accused committed the offences on May 12, at the same address.

According to Edumodior, suspects told Mr Ibikunle Akinpelu, her uncle, who was looking for accommodation, to occupy a two bedroom at Onyenuga Street for a period of time.

He added that the accused told to her uncle early in 2017 that she needed to rent out the apartment and insisted that he should move out before the end of the year.

The accused, according to the prosecutor, walked into the apartment her uncle was staying in after she was tired of him staying in her house, she lit him up after drenching him in petrol.

He said that incident was reported to the police when a neighbour who saw her with the keg of petrol and matches.

The prosecutor stated that the offences is contrary to Sections 173 and 245 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.

However, the accused, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Mrs O.I Adelaja, the chief magistrate granted the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She stated that the sureties must be gainfully employed and show evidence of tax payment to Lagos State Government.

Adelaja adjourned the case until June 11, for trial.