A Magistrates Court in Ogudu Lagos on Friday remanded in prison an 18-year-old, Sunday Akpan, who allegedly escaped from police custody with handcuffs while being transported to the court.
Sunday, who resides at Agboye Estate, Oduntan Street in Ketu area of Lagos, is facing a four-count charge bordering on escape from lawful custody and assault.
The Magistrate, Mrs O. Sule-Amzat, ordered that the accused be kept behind bars until the next date of adjournment.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Sgt. Lucky Ihiehie told the court that the accused had on Sept. 12 at about 8.30 a.m., knowing full well that he had been charged to court, escape with handcuffs from lawful custody.
"Sunday and the Investigating Police Officer were in a taxi on Akilo Road on their way to Ikeja Magistrates’ Court when he committed the offence.
"He pushed the police woman and jumped out of the moving vehicle to an unknown destination,’’ the prosecutor said.
Ihiehie said all efforts to locate him that day proved abortive until the next day when the brother of the accused --Emmanuel Akpan-- came to the police station to see him.
When the police told Emmanuel, that his brother had escaped from custody, he burst into tears.
"After interrogation, Emmanuel finally confessed and disclosed the hideout of the accused which led to his re-arrest.’’
The prosecutor said the accused had previously been charged to court for assault.
"On Sept. 7, the accused with another man still at large, assaulted one Mr Alex Alumona of Agboye Estate.
"Sunday hit the victim with a plank on the head and he fainted,’’ Ihiehie said.
The offences according to him contravene Sections 106(a), 106(b), 170 and 171 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.
Counsel to the accused, Mr A.O.Badejo, and Mr J. Oguehi, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms which was however opposed to by the Magistrate saying the accused may jump bail.
The case was adjourned to Sept. 23. (NAN)
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