A 28-year-old trader, Friday Okafor, charged with assaulting his neighbour and dispossessing him of valuables worth N265,000, was on Monday brought before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.

The defendant, who resides at Abule-Egba, Lagos, was arraigned before a Magistrate, Mrs S. K Matepo, on a four-count charge of conspiracy, threat to life, assault and stealing.

Okafor, however, denied committing the offences and was admitted to a bail of N150, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Matepo said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The Prosecutor, Sgt. Innocent Odugbo told the court that the defendant committed the offences in March, at Ekoro Road, Abule-Egba, Lagos.

He said that the defendant and others still at large conspired to assault one Mr Peter Odey through beating, and carted away his belongings worth N265,000.

Odugbo said that the defendant had a misunderstanding with the complainant, and threatened to deal with him.

“The defendant, who vowed to deal with the complainant, attacked him on his way from work.

“In the process, the defendant and his friends collected the complainant’s phone valued at N80, 000, gold necklace of N35, 000 and cash of N150, 000, totalling N265, 000.

“They also went away with his wallet containing Automated Teller Machine (ATM) card, National Identity Card, voter card and International passport.

“The complainant reported the case and the defendant was arrested,” the prosecutor said.

The offences violate Sections 56, 172, 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 56 stipulates one-year imprisonment for threat to life while section 287 prescribes three years for stealing.

The case was adjourned until April 24 for mention.

NAN