Landlord arraigned for allegedly ejecting tenant without court order

A 44-year-old landlord, Olawale Pelewura, who allegedly evicted a tenant without a court order and damaged property worth N2. 3 million, appeared before a Surulere Chief Magistrates' Court in Lagos on Wednesday.

Pelewura of No. 6 Silifatu Akinsanya St., Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos, was tried on a four-count charge of conspiracy, wilful damage, forceful eviction, and stealing.

The Prosecution Counsel, Insp Courage Ekhueorohan, told the court that Pelewura committed the offence on Dec. 10 at No 6, Silifatu Akinsanya St., Ijeshatedo Surulere, Lagos,

Ekhueorohan alleged that Pelewura and some others still at large had forcefully evicted his tenant, one Godwin Onuja, from his apartment without securing a court order.

He submitted that Pelewura and his accomplices damaged chairs and stole cash, a wristwatch, a gold chain, and a CD set, all valued at N2.3 million.

According to him, the offense contravenes the provisions of Sections 168(D), 287, 350, and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015, revised.

The magistrate, Mrs. O. O. Otitoju, granted Pelewura bail in the sum of N500,000 with two responsible sureties in like amount.

Otitoju said that the sureties must be relatives of the defendant (Pelewura) and have a valid means of identification.

The case was adjourned until Jan. 20 for further hearing.