Man, 42, in court for robbery in traffic jam

A 42-year-old man, Idowu Adebogun, on Wednesday appeared before an Ikorodu Magistrates' Court in Lagos State over alleged robbery in traffic jam.

Adebogun, who resides at Atere Street, Imota, Ikorodu, was docked on a three-count charge bordering on theft.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Mary Ajiteru, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Nov. 7 in a traffic jam along Lucky Fibre Road in Ikorodu.

"The accused and others still at large, usually, rob in traffic jams on that road.

"On this fateful day, the accused threatened Mr Samson Adelaja with gun while in his car, slapped him and carted away his N8,000.

"The complainant recognised the accused and reported the matter to the police and he was accosted while others escaped,’’ Ajiteru said.

The prosecutor said that members of the public had lodged complaints over incessant traffic robberies in the area.

He said the offences contravened Sections 409, 285 and 173 of the Criminal Code Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 173 prescribes that any person who assaults any person with intent to steal anything is guilty of a felony and is liable to imprisonment for three years.

The Magistrate, Mrs Adelabu Olagbegi, granted the accused N20,000 bail with two sureties that must be residents of Ikorodu and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.

The case was adjourned till Dec. 12 for further hearing.