By: Bayero Ade
A 23-year-old salesgirl, Nifemi Friday, has been remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre by an Eti-Osa Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly defaming a businessman and his wife by calling them “ritualists” and stealing goods worth N5.2 million.
According to Top newspaper, the court, presided over by Magistrate T. F. Oyaniyi, ordered her remand after she pleaded not guilty to the two charges brought against her by the police.
According to the charge marked ET/C/18/2025, the defendant was accused of stealing goods from a mall and falsely labeling Mr. Lateef Lawal and his wife as ritualists.
The prosecution, led by Inspector Adeleye Ganiu of the Ogombo Police Division, Lagos, told the court that the alleged offences took place on December 23, 2024, at around 1:00 p.m. at Obas Mall, Okun Ajah, in Eti-Osa, Lagos State.
Inspector Ganiu stated that, in addition to the theft allegations, Friday was accused of creating public unrest by sending voice notes on social media, where she reportedly defamed the complainants.
The prosecution argued that her actions violated Sections 287 and 168 (d) of the Lagos State Criminal Laws of 2015.
Despite pleading not guilty, the defendant’s counsel applied for bail, which Magistrate Oyaniyi granted in the sum of N500,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.
Until she meets the bail conditions, Friday will remain in custody at Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned until March 26, 2025, for mention.
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