Defendant arraigned for allegedly reporting tenants to "Okija" shrine

Lagos, March 7, 2023

A 44-year-old man Okechukwu Chukwunahi, has appeared before an Ojo Magistrates' Court in Lagos, over alleged trial by ordeal.

The defendant a landlord, was arraigned on a two-counts charge bordering on conspiracy and trial by ordeal.

He appeared before the Magistrate Mr L.J.K Layeni, but he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Dr. Simon Uche, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Feb. 21 at Ira quarters in Ojo

He said that following a misunderstanding with his tenants, the defendant resorted to referring their names to the "Arusi Okija" shrine.

The nominal complainants are: Onyeka Ibeabuchi and Chimezie Ezeuka

According to prosecution, the tenants later received a call from the priest of the shrine, inviting them to appear at the shrine in person, before Feb. 27, or risk death.

The prosecutor said that the defendant had initially referred the matter to mediation and later to a court in Badagry, but feeling unsatisfied, he now resorted to illegal means of trial by ordeal at the shrine.

He said that the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 127 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015.

The court granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned trial until Mach 20.