A Nigerian couple have been arrested for allegedly using their dog to chase away staff of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and three police officers during official duties.
Adeyemi and Divine Adegoke were arraigned alongside Deji Ajayi, their neighbour, on Thursday, at an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court on a three-count charge of bordering on assault.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants engaged in the acts on March 31, at No. 93, Ayelaka Area, Dada Estate, Osogbo.
The accused were said to have assaulted two IBEDC officials, Sayo Owaniyi and Adetunji Adetona, as well as Inspectors Ariyo Oyeleke, Muritala Kazeem and Police Corporal Femi Adisa, who were on official duties in the area.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the three counts pressed against them.
The charge sheet read; “That you, Adegoke Divine, Adegoke Adeyemi and Ajayi Deji on the 31st day of March 2023 in the morning at No. 93, Ayelaka Area, Dada Estate, Osogbo in the Osogbo Magisterial District, did conspire together to commit felony to wit serious assault, assault and threat to the life of one Owaniyi Sayo and Adetunji Adetona of IBEDC Osogbo and Police Officers and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the criminal code Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
“That you Adegoke Divine, Adegoke Adeyemi and Ajayi Deji on the same date and place at the aforementioned Magisterial District did seriously assault one Owaniyi Sayo and Adetunji Adetona who are IBEDC staff of Osogbo Branch and also Inspector Ariyo Oyeleke, Inspector Muritala Kazeem and Adisa Femi while performing their duty by beating and stoning them and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 356 of the criminal code Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.
“That you Ajayi Deji on the same date and place at the aforementioned Magisterial District did attempt to kill one Owaniyi Sayo and Adetunji Adetona with a dog and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 383 and punishable under section 320 of the criminal code Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.”
The presiding magistrate, Dr Olusegun Ayilara, admitted Divine to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety, while the other two were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each with two sureties.
Ayilara adjourned the case till June 15, for hearing.
