Trader baths neighbour with acid

A Lagos trader, Samson Amaechi, has been dragged before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court, on two-count charges of unlawful attempted murder and unlawful causing of grievous harm, after he poured acid on his neighbour, one  Chukwuemeka Okorie.

According to the police prosecutor in the case, Feddy Asu, the 22-year-old Amaechi committed the offences at 9, Herbert Macaulay Way, Ebute Meta, Lagos, where the duo lived, on March 27.

Asu told the court that the men had a quarrel after Okorie, who accommodated Amaechi in his house which also served as his shop, complained about the culprit's refusal to contribute to the house upkeep and other responsibilities.

A fight had ensued between them but neighbours and other residents mediated and calmed them down but Amaechi was still nursing some grudges against his benefactor and while Oorie slept later that night, Amaechi poured substance suspected to be acid on Okorie's private part, chest, and back, in an attempt to kill him and take revenge.

Asu said the offences contravened Sections 228 and 243 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011 and stipulates life imprisonment.

The magistrate, E.O. Ogunkanmi, granted bail to the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 while the case was adjourned till September 9, for trial.