Police arraign 7 over attempted rape, murder

Lagos -  Seven men, who allegedly attempted to rape a 16-year-old lady, were on Monday charged before an Ebute Meta Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The defendants are:- Seyi Lajuwomi, 25; Opeoluwa Okedairo, 30; Pius Okwuada,  29; Dada Sheriff Jimoh, 23; Gbenga Olaewe, 23; Monday Augustine, 26; and Sunday Oladapo, 36.
The men are facing a six-count charge of conspiracy, breach of peace, willful damage to property, attempt to rape and attempt to kill.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Cousin Adams, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the crime on Nov. 12 at about 2a.m. at their residence on Ogunsami Street, Itire in Lagos,
According to the prosecutor, the incident occurred during a street carnival in the Itire-Ijesha area of the metropolis.
He said that the defendants allegedly lured the young lady into their house and allegedly tore off her pair of black trouser in an attempt to rape her.
Adam said that their victim, however, put up a stiff resistance and cried out for help which attracted a vigilante group in the area who responded promptly.
The prosecutor said that a member of the gang, Oladapo, who was in possession of a double barrel gun, allegedly shot at the vigilante group, hitting one Seyi Lajuwomi on the chest.
“The defendants reacted with gun shots and damaged one Volvo ambulance with registration No. JJJ 350 AW, a sliding door, radio and LG television, properties of  Dr. Joshua Popoola  and Tope Rotimi. Respectively,’’ Adam said.
He said that the alleged offences committed contravened Sections 409,348,166 and 228 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The defendants, however, all pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Magistrate, Mrs Joy Ugboimoko, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties each in like sum and adjourned the case till Dec. 12 for further hearing (NAN)