A 45-year-old man, Mukadas Oguntowo was on Wednesday, arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo over alleged stalking, reckless driving, other traffic offences.
Oguntowo, whose address was not provided, is facing charges of stalking, conduct likely to cause breach of peace, drunk driving, driving unregistered car and driving without a valid driver’s licence.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Prosecutor, ASP Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on June 25 at about 6:59p.m. at No. 1004, Justice Street, Zone 10, Kemta Housing Estate, Abeokuta.
Olu-Balogun alleged that the defendant trailed the complainant, Mr Oluwatobiloba Ogunfowora, who was going home with his family, in an unregistered white 2006 Toyota Corolla in a suspicious manner.
He added that the defendant drove the unregistered vehicle into Ogunfowora’s residence in a disorderly manner, causing fear and panic to the complainant and his family.
The prosecutor further alleged that the defendant drove on a public road, while under the influence of alcohol or drugs and without a Vehicle Identification Number (VIN) or a valid driver’s licence.
According to him, the defendant’s conduct made the complainant and his family feel threatened and unsafe.
“When the complainant was driving home from work, he noticed that the defendant was following him until he arrived at his residence.
“He quickly drove into his compound before summoning the courage to confront the defendant, who could not give any reasonable explanation for following him.
“The complainant reported the incident to the police, leading to the defendant’s arrest,” the prosecutor said.
Olu-Balogun said the offences contravened Section 250(6) of the Criminal Code Laws of 2006, and Sections 4, 7 and 30 of the Ogun State Road Traffic Law.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs A.K. Araba, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum, who must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary.
She added that the defendant be remanded at the Oba Correctional facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.
She adjourned the case until July 21 for hearing. (NAN)
