An Ikeja Magistrates’ Court sitting in Ogba, Lagos, on Tuesday granted bail of N1.5 million to a man, Chinedu Nwota, over alleged threats, attempted arson and cybercrime-related offences.
Nwota, whose residential address was not stated, is facing a five-count charge bordering on threats to kill, intimidation, malicious damage, attempted arson and the transmission of threatening electronic messages.
The prosecutor, SP Josephine Ikhayere, told the court that the defendant allegedly posted threatening messages on an ONICHI WhatsApp group on Oct. 8, 2025, causing one Jude Nwanchukwu to receive messages threatening his life.
He was also accused of knowingly sending messages threatening to damage properties located in the Victoria Island, Ojo, Idumota, Ijora and Agwagboriga areas of Lagos.
According to the charge, the defendant allegedly disconnected and removed electrical wiring at No. 5, Saka Tinubu Plaza, Lagos Island Market, on April 17, 2025.
The prosecution further alleged that Nwota attempted to set shops at the plaza ablaze by perforating jerrycans containing fuel, causing the fuel to leak within the premises.
The offences, according to the police, contravene Sections 232, 340, 342 and 344 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, as well as provisions of the Cybercrimes (Prohibition, Prevention, etc.) Act, 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Lateef A. Owolabi granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1.5 million with responsible sureties.
The magistrate adjourned the case until July 1, 2026, for further hearing. (NAN).
