A 35-year-old woman, Gift Ezeigbo, was on Friday arraigned before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged attempted arson and willful damage to property.
Ezeigbo, a tenant residing on Elemijaiye Street in the Etegbin area of Ojo, is facing a six-count charge bordering on attempted arson and malicious damage, among others.
She pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, ASP Esther Adesulu, told the court that the defendant allegedly committed the offences on different dates between Jan. 16 and June 27.
According to the prosecutor, Ezeigbo allegedly set fire to the residential compound on Jan. 16 at about 12 noon, while other tenants had left for their respective businesses.
Adesulu further alleged that on Feb. 3, at about 9:00 a.m., the defendant willfully damaged a solar panel wire and a changeover switch belonging to one Amarachi Okorocha, valued at N350, 000.
The prosecutor further said on March 1, at about 11:25 p.m., the defendant allegedly attempted to ignite a gas cylinder inside the compound.
She also alleged that on April 7, at about 11:00 a.m., Ezeigbo damaged water pipes supplying all the apartments in the premises, with the damage estimated at N63, 000.
According to the her, the defendant further damaged the entrance gate and security light of the premises on June 21 at about 7:00 p.m., causing damage valued at N300, 000.
Adesulu further told the court that on June 27, at about 6:00 a.m., the defendant allegedly attempted to commit arson by lighting charcoal enabled fire inside her apartment, causing thick smoke to spread across the premises.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 341, 342 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.
The Magistrate granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case until July 28 for mention. (NAN)
