A former security guard at the Awolowo Ultra Modern Market, Mushin in Lagos, Fatai Balogun, was on Tuesday , arraigned for allegedly burning part of the complex.
Balogun, 34, is standing trial before a Yaba Magistrate’s Court in Lagos on a six-count charge of conspiracy, arson, damage, stealing and assault.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Insp. Benson Emuerhi, told the court that Balogun, out of alleged spite for being sacked, hired thugs to set on fire the fish section of the market.
He explained that the union’s executive had earlier sacked Balogun after a number of incidents of robbery at the market at night.
Emuerhi said that the offence was committed on Sept. 3.
The prosecutor said Balogun and his accomplices also assaulted the chairman and a member of the market union executive, Messrs. Rasheed Yekini and Jimoh Olowonsebebe.
Emuerhi said the defendants and his accomplices hit their victims on the head with an iron rod and stole N25,000 and a Nokia handset valued at N5,000 belonging to Yekinni.
He said the offence contravened Sections 355, 443, 451 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.
The Magistrate, Salamah Matepo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Matepo adjourned the case till Sept. 22 for further hearing.
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