A 35-year-old man, Benjamin Osueke, was on Friday charged before an Ikorodu Magistrates’ Court for allegedly pouring hot water on a female neighbour. Osueke, who lives at 24, James Olaogun St., Ikorodu, is facing a charge of assault.
The Prosecutor, Sgt. John Iberedem told the court that the accused on February 18, poured hot water on his neighbour, Mrs. Benedicta Orji, in the kitchen.
“There was an argument over electricity bill between the accused and the complainant; after the argument, the accused warned her not to cook on his table because they share a kitchen.
“Suddenly, he poured hot water on the complainant which burnt her body badly,” the prosecutor said.
He said that the offence contravened Section 230 of the Lagos State Criminal Laws, 2015.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Mrs. A. Azeez, granted the accused N100,000 bail with two sureties in like sum.
Azeez said that the sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction, be gainfully employed and should show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
She adjourned the case until March 29, for hearing
A similar Incident like this was reported when Miss Oluchukwu Nwali, 25, of Amaeka Community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State was bathed with hot water by her neighbor, Mrs. Chigozie Ugama.
Nwali was injured and was rushed to a private hospital at Onuoji Echara.
Narrating her ordeal, Nwali said the trouble began after she had a misunderstanding with Ugama. She reported the matter to the latter’s husband who promised to look into the complaint later.
“As I finished complaining to the husband, I did not know she had prepared hot water. And when I stepped outside, she bathed me with the water.
“You can see the injuries she inflicted on me. I am here for now and hoping to raise money for treatment in a better hospital,” Nwali said.
She called on the government and good-spirited individuals to assist her in getting medical attention in a better hospital.
PUNCH
