Bus conductor docked for assaulting traffic warden, food vendor

A bus conductor, Chidebere Ugogi, was on Thursday hauled up before an Ikeja Chief Magistrates' Court for allegedly assaulting a traffic warden and a food vendor.

Ugoji, 27, whose address is unknown, is facing a two-count charge of assault and breach of peace.

The prosecutor, Insp. Frank Inah told the court that the accused committed the offences on July 20 at about 7.15 a.m at No. 1, Limson Road, River Valley, Ojodu, a Lagos suburb.

Inah said the accused assaulted a food vendor, Omolara Adebisi, when he was not served in time.

"The accused went to Adebisi's shop to eat but was told to wait for a few minutes for the food to be ready.

"Ugoji, out of anger, threw caution to the wind, slapped the complainant and destroyed some things in her shop.’’

Inah also said the accused also assaulted a police traffic warden, Kolawole Sunday, who was called in to settle the dispute.

"Again the accused pounced on him and beat him to a pulp and also tore his uniform.’’

The prosecutor noted that the offences contravened Sections 171 and 172 (b) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 171 prescribes a three-year jail term for offenders.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs M.O. Osinbajo, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

"The sureties must show evidence of three years tax payment to the Lagos State Government.’’

Osinbajo said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and also show evidence of means of livelihood.The case was adjourned to Sept. 9 for trial.