Six suspects were docked in a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly attacking, assaulting and blackmailing the popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
The suspects, made up of four women and two men were accused of allegedly attacking, assaulting and blackmailing the popular Nollywood actress, Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal.
The police charged Qudus Jokogbola, Siri Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed and Opere Morenike with conspiracy, breach of peace and causing bodily harm.
The Prosecutor, Insp Samuel Isholla told the court that the six defendants and two others at large, committed the alleged offence on Feb. 5, 2024, at about 1.30p.m, at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State.
Counsel to the defendants S. Ade Oshodi and Ademola Olabiyi, announced their appearance for the defendants and nominal complainant’s lawyer respectively.
Prosecutor Isholla informed the court that the defendants and two others at large, conspired among themselves and forcefully pushed and dragged the complainant Anjorin-Lawal, causing her bodily injuries.
The prosecutor also told the court that the defendants’ actions caused a breach of public peace.
He told the court that the offence committed by the defendants contravened sections 168(d), 170(b) 411 and 413(2) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 413(2) stipulates a two-year jail term for anyone found guilty of causing injury to a person or reputation of any person, or to depreciate the value of any person or property.
The defendants, however pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following their not guilty plea, their lawyer, Oshodi, who led other six lawyers, informed the court that all his clients were market men and women.
He therefore urged the court to admit them to bail in the most liberal terms.
Responding to the lawyer’s request the prosecutor told the court that granting of bail is at court’s discretion but said that the court should admit them to bail in terms and conditions that will ensure their attendance in court.
Magistrate A.A Paul, in his ruling, admitted each of the defendants to bail in the sum of N200, 000, with one surety in like sum
The magistrate also ordered the sureties must be residents of Lagos State with evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government, among others.
He ordered that the defendants should be remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS), until they perfect their bail terms.
The case was been adjourned until March 11, for mention.
Meanwhile, the market ladies who had previously accused the Yoruba actress of stealing gold later withdrew the allegations.
Lizzy Anjorin became a hot topic on social media when she was accused of stealing N91k in gold from a Lagos Island market through a fraudulent transfer.
A video circulating on social media shows several market people causing a commotion while accusing the movie celebrity of stealing. She was spotted sitting in a shop, trying to defend herself. She wore a face mask.
Lizzy, on the other hand, responded to the charges, claiming that the event included an alleged failed transfer of N91,000 to an accessory vendor on Tom Jones Street in Lagos’ Idumota neighbourhood.
In a subsequent development, the market ladies reversed their allegations against Lizzy Anjorin, praising her as a beloved client.
They went on to establish Lizzy’s innocence, demonstrating that they do not sell gold in their business.
Social Media users thronged to comment section to share their thoughts. Some reactions are shown below:
falanaautosolutions said: “The fact is that she just did a particular JuJu, the more they embarrassed her in a market place the more wealthy and popular she becames.”
nekky_uc said: “This isn’t necessary at all. Damage control gone wrong.”
l.tobiloba said: “This seem like damage control. Èlo ni lizzy fún yin.”
degreatandy said: “So it’s good to believe she stole but you refused to believe it was a lie this is how jungle justice starts.”
