Court Discharges Two Physically Challenged Persons

Two physically challenged persons, charged with conspiracy and illegal collection of alms, were on Thursday discharged and acquitted by an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The accused, Samuel Kwoji, 25, and Sanni Koko, 38, of  24, New Market St., Victoria Island, were let off the hook by Magistrate O.O. Martins and warned to change their attitude positively.

Our correspondent reports that though the duo pleaded guilty during their arraignment on January 23, Martins was lenient and set them free for being first offenders and not wasting the time of the court.

“Since you have decided not to waste the time of the court and with no past record of crime, you are hereby discharged and acquitted.

“You should, however, change your attitude positively,” she said in her ruling.

The police had arraigned the accused along with a hunchback, Saheed Tirimisiyu, who had pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge.

Tirimisiyu of No. 35, Dumping St., Adeniji Adele, Lagos, was granted bail in the sum of N10, 000 with one surety in like sum.

He was, however, yet to perfect his bail and his case file was transferred to Ikoyi Magistrates’ Court for continuation of trial.

The Prosecutor, SP Omenegor Goddy, had alleged that the accused, between January 19 and January 22, along Palm Shopping Mall, Victoria Island, were soliciting for alms from passers-by.

He told the court that the police had given several warnings to those soliciting for alms around the area to desist from the act.

Goddy said that the police construed begging for alms around the area as an “activity that constituted nuisance to the society“.

“These people sprawl and roll themselves on the road, hinder vehicular movement and only allow these drivers to pass after they have parted with some amount of money.

“The police had recently received series of complaints from members of the public, especially motorists, as their action often resulted in traffic gridlock,” he said.

He said that their action contravened Sections 166(2) and 410 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State.