An Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday ordered the remand of four men at the Ikoyi Prisons over murder charges.
The men, Haruna Yahaya, 20; Sanni Akau, 28; Isah Muhammed, 18 and Ibrahim Shuabu, 18 appeared on a two-count charge of conspiracy and murder.
Their plea was not taken as the magistrate court lacked the jurisdiction to prosecute cases bothering on murder. The accused where consequently reminded in prison custody pending legal advice from the Director or Public Prosecution (DPP).
The Prosecutor, Sgt. Maria Dauda said that the offences were committed on Aug. 2 at Ilufe junction, Ojo Alaba. He said that the men had beaten the deceased, Chimezie Umeh, 23 to death by clubbing him with sticks.
“The deceased, during a heated argument with Haruna who sells groceries had slapped him this had angered the other three accused who joined Haruna to club Umeh with sticks. The deceased died two days later in the hospital due to the injuries sustained,” she said.
The offences Dauda noted contravened Sections 221 and 231 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011. Section 221 stipulates a death penalty for offender.
The Magistrate, Mrs Fowowe-Erusiafe ordered their remand in prison and adjourned till Oct. 4 for the DPP’s advice