Drama as wife tells court to continue remanding husband custody

A mild drama took place on Monday at the Ojo Magistrates’ Court, Lagos State, when a complainant, Mrs Chinyere Ejike, told the court to continue to remand her husband, Livinus Ejike, over alleged assault.

NAN reports that Ejike was arraigned on February 5 on a three-count charge of assault on his wife, threat to her and their children, and causing breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mr Lateef Layeni, had granted him bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The defendant was, however, unable to meet his bail conditions and consequently remained in custody.

The magistrate adjourned the case until March 5 for mention but on the adjourned date, the investigating police officer was absent.

The case was again adjourned until Monday, April 7 for mention.

On Monday, today, the defendant was absent.

The prosecution informed the court that he could not be produced due to logistics issues.

The magistrate then asked the complainant if she was willing to forgive her husband to end the case.

In response, the complainant told the magistrate to continue to keep her husband in custody.

She told the court that her husband was of no relevance to her.

According to her, the defendant has been wicked to her and has beaten her up many times.

Consequently, the court further adjourned the case until May 19 for mention.

According to the police, the defendant committed the offences on Feb. 3 at the illogbo area of Ojo.

The prosecutor, ASP Simon Uche, alleged that the defendant assaulted his wife by beating her, adding that he threatened her and their children with a knife.

Uche also alleged that the defendant caused a breach of peace by throwing his wife’s property out of their home.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravene Section 58, 166 and 172 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.