Lagos trader ‘bathes’ neighbour with hot pepper

Twenty-seven-year-old trader, Uloma Mogaji, who allegedly bathed her neighbour with hot pepper paste during a fight, was yesterday brought before a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos. Mogaji, who resides at No. 15, White House, Ileje, Ajah, Lagos, is facing two counts of assault and grievous harm. The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the offence. The Prosecutor, Assistant Superintendent Police Fidelis Dike, told the court that the accused bathed her neighbour, Happiness Ekele, with boiling pepper paste during a fight, causing her serious bodily harm.

“The accused poured hot pepper paste she was boiling on stove on her neighbour when a fight ensued between them and damaged her body.

She is presently in a critical condition,” the prosecutor said. He said the offences contravened Sections 171 and 243 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos state, 2015. Section 171 stipulates one year jail term, while Section 243 carries 14 years in prison for offenders. The Magistrate, Omolaja Kazeem, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N50,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. He said the sureties must be gainfully employed and must reside in Lagos state. Further hearing in the case has been fixed for June 27. (NAN)