By Kudirat Habeeb
An Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State on Friday discharged two men accused of insulting police officers and threatening an intern.
The defendants, Shonibare Quadri, 23, and Hammed Bolaji, 27, were arraigned on three-count of conspiracy, breach of peace and threat. They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, ASP Simon Njue, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on Thursday at about 7:30 p.m.
Njue said the incident occurred in front of the Isheri-Osun Police Station, where the defendants allegedly caused a disturbance.
He alleged that Quadri, Bolaji and others still at large shouted, raised their voices and conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace.
The prosecutor also alleged that the defendants threatened Alabi Ademola Waris, an intern attached to the police station.
Njue said Waris splashed water on the defendants while trying to fill potholes in front of the station.
He alleged that the defendants reacted by threatening Waris and subsequently insulted police officers who attempted to intervene.
The prosecutor said their conduct constituted a nuisance and breached relevant provisions of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
The charges were brought under Sections 411, 168(d) and 56 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State.
Section 411 provides a maximum two-year imprisonment term for conspiracy, while Section 168(d) provides two years for breach of peace.
Section 56 provides a maximum one-year imprisonment term for threat.
Magistrate F.R. Ogunkoyode directed the defendants and their families to visit the police station and ask the officers for forgiveness.
Following the directive, the court struck out the case and discharged both defendants.
The decision brought the proceedings to an end without the court recording convictions against Quadri and Bolaji.
