A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos has ordered the remand of Ganiyu Oyedepo, a prominent leader of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), popularly known as Koko Zaria. The court’s decision follows allegations that he assaulted veteran actor, Lawori.
The charges against Koko Zaria stem from an incident described as a threat to the actor’s life. Lawori had taken to social media to seek help, posting a video on Instagram in July, in which he detailed the alleged attack by Koko Zaria during the 2024 Idimu Day event on June 25.
Following the actor’s public plea, Force Public Relations Officer, Olumuyiwa Adejobi, responded via his official X (formerly Twitter) account, assuring the public that the case would be thoroughly investigated, and justice would be served.
On Thursday, August 5, 2024, Chief Magistrate B. Sonuga ordered Koko Zaria’s remand after he was arraigned on charges of conspiracy, assault causing harm, and conduct likely to disturb public peace.
Prosecutor Morufu Animashaun, a legal officer with the Force Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Department (FCIID), told the court that Oyedepo conspired with others to assault the actor, inflicting injuries on his head with a bottle.
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The charges, filed under sections 411, 173, and 168 (l) (d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, alleged that on June 25, 2024, at Idimu, Lagos, Oyedepo and his associates carried out the attack, which led to Lawori sustaining head injuries. Specifically, Oyedepo is accused of unlawfully directing one of his associates, who is currently at large, to break a bottle and injure Lawori during the assault.
In response to the charges, Oyedepo denied all allegations and pleaded not guilty. His defense team, led by S. Bello and S. O. Ajetomobi, applied for bail, arguing that the offenses were bailable. They urged the court to grant bail under lenient conditions.
After hearing arguments from both sides, Chief Magistrate Sonuga granted bail to Oyedepo in the sum of N2 million, with two sureties. The sureties must be individuals of reputable character, provide evidence of livelihood, and reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Additionally, they are required to present evidence of tax payments for the past three years, and their addresses must be verified by the court.
While the defendant works on meeting the bail conditions, Chief Magistrate Sonuga ordered his remand in Nigerian Correctional Services (NCoS) custody. The case has been adjourned to October 29, 2024, for further mention.
