Graduate in the Dock: Man Accused of Assaulting Mother, Siblings Over Drug Addiction
A 36-year-old graduate of chemical engineering, Mohammed Aliu, was on Monday brought before an Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly threatening the lives of his family members and assaulting them.
Aliu, who pleaded not guilty, is facing two charges related to physical assault and issuing threats. The case is being handled by Magistrate Leteef Layani.
According to the prosecution, the incident took place on April 30 at No. 4 Dorcas Close in the Illogbo area of Ojo. The accused reportedly destroyed a 46-inch Infinity smart television worth N200,000, property of his mother, Mrs. Blessing Emeka.
The prosecutor said Aliu assaulted his mother and siblings—Blessing Emeka, Kuburat Aliu, and Zainab Aliu—leaving them with various injuries after allegedly attacking them with dangerous objects.
Mrs. Emeka told the court her son is a habitual drug user who frequently relapses after rehab and often shows up at her house to demand money. She said she lives in constant fear due to his violent behaviour and repeated death threats.
Aliu admitted to smoking marijuana and said he had previously undergone treatment at the Yaba rehabilitation centre. He claimed he only visited his mother to collect his prescribed medication and that she assaulted him during the visit. He also revealed that his girlfriend is currently three months pregnant.
His sister, Zainab, however, told the court that Aliu has a history of manipulating the family with false claims to extract money. She added that his threats have left them in fear for their lives.
The offences violate Sections 173 and 350 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015.
The magistrate granted Aliu bail set at ₦300,000 with two sureties, one of whom must be a relative. He also ordered the defendant be placed in the custody of the appropriate unit at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre.
The case was adjourned to July 28 for further mention.
