‘Agbero’ allegedly assaults police woman, may face 3 years imprisonment for extortion

A 42-year-old man, Tunde Lasisi, who allegedly assaulted a policewoman while on lawful duty, was on Thursday brought before a Yaba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

Lasisi, who resides at Onipanu area of Lagos, is facing a three-count charge of assault, threat to life and escaping from police custody.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Ibijoke Akinpelu, told court that the accused committed the offences on Sept. 17 at 9.45 a.m. at Onipanu Bus Stop on Ikorodu Expressway, Lagos.

Akinpelu alleged that while the complainant, Sergeant Bridget Alonge, was on routine patrol along Ikorodu Road by Onipanu, she saw the accused unlawfully threatening and extorting money from a commercial bus conductor, (an act conducted by road miscreants popularly known as “Agbero”)

She said that the officer immediately approached the accused, who disrespected Alonge by pointing fingers in her face and warned her to face her duty.

“The officer got the accused arrested, but he escaped from police custody and was later sighted at the same place leading to his arrest.”

The offences contravened Sections 172 (2) (c), 106 (b) and 301 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

Section 301 provides a penalty of three years imprisonment for extortion.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs A. F. Adeeyo, granted him bail in the sum of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties should be gainfully employed with an evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

Adeeyo adjourned the case until Oct. 27 for trial. (NAN)