25-year-old woman arrested for alleged robbery

A 25-year-old woman, Esther Obianuju Ihedime, was yesterday brought before a Lagos High Court, Igbosere, over alleged attempt to rob one Miss Rukayat Abdulsalat of her valuables while armed with a toy gun.

The accused, said to have no particular occupation, was arraigned before Justice Christopher Balogun on a two-count charge of conspiracy and attempted robbery, but she pleaded not guilty when the charge was read to her.

According to the charge sheet, the offences were committed around 2.45 p.m on  November 2, 2012, at 159a, Akerele Extension, Surulere, Lagos, which contravened sections  296 and 298 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State.

Counsel to the defendant, Mr Spurgeon Ataene, urged the court to admit his client to bail pending the determination of the case, noting that a bail application had been filed on behalf of the defendant.

He told the court that a nine paragraph affidavit had been attached to the bail application, deposed to by Mr Cyprian Ihedime, the father of the defendant who was present in court with the mother.

“I will urge the court to carefully consider the bail application with the attached documents and grant the defendant bail in liberal terms,” Ataene said.

However, State counsel, Mr W.A Quadri, informed the court that a counter affidavit had been filed in opposition to the bail application filed by the defendant’s counsel.

It was gathered that the accused, while armed with a toy gun, conspired with her friends to rob Rukayat of her valuables, and when the victim screamed for help the accused was apprehended while others escaped.

Justice Balogun, after listening to both counsels, adjourned to July 9 for the hearing of the bail application and substantive criminal trial.


-- Vanguard