In a recent development, four women and two men have been brought before the Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court on charges of assaulting and blackmailing popular Nollywood actress Lizzy Anjorin-Lawal. The individuals, identified as Qudus Jokogbola, Siri Olawale, Edu Shakirat, Fausat Mohammed, Kafayat Ahmed, and Opere Morenike, were accused of conspiracy, breach of peace, and causing bodily harm.
According to the prosecution, Inspector Samuel Isholla, the alleged incident took place on February 5, 2024, at Oba Akintoye Market, Lagos Island, Lagos State. The defendants, alongside two others at large, reportedly forcefully pushed and dragged Anjorin-Lawal, resulting in bodily injuries and a breach of public peace.
During the court proceedings, the defendants’ counsel, S. Ade Oshodi and Ademola Olabiyi, represented the accused and nominal complainant’s lawyer respectively. The prosecutor highlighted that the charges leveled against the defendants are in violation of sections 168(d), 170(b), 411, and 413(2) of the criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015. Notably, section 413(2) prescribes a two-year jail term for causing injury to a person, reputation, or property.
Despite pleading not guilty, the defendants’ lawyer, Oshodi, urged the court to grant them bail. In response, the prosecutor emphasized that the bail decision lies with the court but recommended terms to ensure the defendants’ presence at future proceedings. Magistrate A.A Paul subsequently granted each defendant bail in the sum of N200,000, with one surety in a similar amount, stipulating that the sureties must be Lagos State residents with evidence of tax payment.
In the interim, the defendants have been remanded in the custody of the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) pending the fulfillment of their bail terms. The case is scheduled for mention on March 11, allowing for further legal proceedings.
