Lagos Trade fair traders protest arrest of market leader

Over 70 traders from the International Trade Fair Complex in the Ojoo area of Lagos, on Monday, stormed Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos to show solidarity with their leader, Ikenna Enendu, who was arrested by the police.

Forty-five years old Enendu, is one of the leaders of Indigenous Manufacturers and Dealers of Footwear Association (IMADFA).

It was gathered that the association had been at loggerheads with some Chinese traders over alleged importation by the Asians of substandard shoes being sold at the market.

The traders and members of IMADFA, on Monday, all waited peacefully under the warders and court guards’ checks, outside the temporary detention centre in the court’s premises where Enendu was held, while his bail condition is being perfected after he was arraigned before Mrs. O.M Ajayi.

The union leader has been arrested by men of the Zone 2 Police Command Headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, and was docked before Mrs. O. M. Ajayi on a five-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing wilful damage, breach of peace and assault.

The charge against the union leader reads: that you; Enendu among others, stole N5million cash and damaged a Nissan Pathfinder SUV windscreen and mirror belonging to one Tony Chan, a Chinese national.

It was also alleged that Enendu and others at large were also assaulted “with intent to steal” Mr. Nnodi Okoye, the Chief Security Officer of another association, Association of Progressive Traders of Nigeria.

The prosecutor Sergeant Innocent told the court that the alleged offences contravened Sections 409, 385, 338, 44(4) and 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The suspect denied all of the charges.

Mrs. Ajayi granted him bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in the like sum before adjourning the case till April 26, for mention.