Police arraign surety for alleged failure to produce suspect

A 31-year-old businesswoman, Grace Samson, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court for allegedly failing to produce a suspect she stood as surety for in a fraud case.

The police charged Samson who resides in Agege, Lagos, with conspiracy, disobeying lawful order and perversion of justice.

The Prosecutor, ASP Kehinde Ajayi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Dec. 22, 2020 at Divisional Crime Branch, Dopemu Police Station, Agege, Lagos.

She said that the defendant conspired with another to obstruct, prevent and pervert the course of justice.

Ajayi said the defendant stood as surety for a trader, Progress Chukeka, who was arrested for fraud.

She said that the police released Chukeka to the defendant who promised to produce her whenever the police needed her but failed.

The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of Sections 97, 123 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 97 prescribes seven years jail term for obstructing justice while section 411 attracts two years for conspiracy.

Following her plea of not guilty, the Magistrate A.O. Ajibade, admitted her to bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety in like sum.

The magistrate adjourned the matter until Feb. 4 for further hearing.