Developer Escapes Mob Attack In Court

An estate developer, Bayo Lawal, on Thursday in Lagos narrowly escaped mob attack by more than 40 complainants who stormed an Igbosere Chief Magistrate’s Court, following his arraignment.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the intervention of security men, however, saved the accused from being attacked.

The rowdy scene interrupted proceedings in some of the courts within the premises.

Lawal is facing a 641-count charge of conspiracy, felony, stealing and fraud allegedly committed between January and April.

The accused and his accomplice, Femi Johnson, pleaded not guilty to the charge, but were refused bail by the Chief Magistrate.

The Prosecutor, Mr. P.A. Keghnenge, alleged that the accused duped more than 40 people, using a company, Bayowale Investment Nigeria Ltd, under the pretext of leasing or letting some property to them.

He said the accused collected millions of naira from unsuspecting customers, including nursery and primary schools.

Keghnenge said the accused collected monies ranging from N150,000 to N3 million from their victims, under the pretext of providing them accommodation, being a developer.

He said the second accused, Johnson, had earlier been granted bail by the same court at his first arraignment on April 22, and had been in prison custody for failing to meet his bail conditions.

The prosecutor also said Lawal was refused bail, because he had previously jumped bail in another case.
The Chief Magistrate, Mr. Philip Ojo, adjourned further hearing till Oct. 21.