A trader, Ugochukwu Chukwuekezie was yesterday, Monday, February 12, 2018, arraigned before a Lagos High Court for alleged manslaughter.
Chukwuekezie was docked on a one-count charge of killing his neighbour, Comdavies Okeke, by banging his head on the wall.
Eyes Of Lagos gathered that, The Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions (DDPP) Mrs A. Oshinusi said the defendant committed the offence around 8: 00 pm on December 5, 2015, at 10, Okoluwa Street, Ebute Meta, Lagos Mainland.
Oshinusi said a fight broke out during an argument between the defendant and Okeke. The defendant allegedly hit Okeke’s head on a wall. Okeke slumped and was rushed to a hospital where he was confirmed dead.
According to the prosecutor, the offence contravened Section 227 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
In his defense, Chukwuekezie pleaded not guilty to the offence.
Justice M. A. Okikiolu did not take Chukwuwuekezie’s bail application because of a disagreement between Oshinusi and defence counsel, Mr R. Asuquo.
The court was told that the defendant was first arraigned before Justice Sybil Nwaka, who now sits in Ikeja.
The case was transferred to Justice Okikiolu following Justice Nwaka’s transfer to Ikeja.
According to Asuquo, the defendant filed his application on December 12, 2017.
But the prosecution claimed that it was only aware of the defendant’s December 9, 2017 application which was refused by Justice Nwaka.
Justice Okikiolu remanded Chukwuekezie in Ikoyi Prison and adjourned till March 19, for “proper direction.”
