A 40-year-old commercial bus driver, Kabiru Olajide, has been remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Centre following his arraignment at the Igbosere Magistrate's Court in Lagos. He faces a five-count charge of assault occasioning harm, malicious damage, stealing, and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace. The charges stem from an incident on May 10, 2026, at a bar located at 2, Olamide Igiaba Street, Oribanwa Phase 2, Ibeju-Lekki, owned by Chimezie Okpoechi and his wife, Kate Okpoechi.
Prosecutors allege that Olajide and his accomplices, who are still at large, held a mini birthday celebration at the bar and consumed drinks valued at N75,000. When the couple requested payment, Olajide allegedly attacked them with a broken bottle, causing injuries. The suspects also vandalised properties, including the windshield of a Toyota RAV4, with total damages estimated at N5 million, before fleeing.
The victims filed a petition with Assistant Inspector-General of Police Olohundare Moshood Jimoh, head of Zone 2 Command, leading to the deployment of a special investigative team. Police said intelligence and surveillance led to Olajide's arrest in Ibeju-Lekki. Superintendent of Police Reuben Solomon, prosecuting, stated the charges violate Sections 411, 314(1)(a), 350, and 168(2) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015. Olajide pleaded not guilty. Magistrate T.O. Abayomi granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum but ordered remand at Ikoyi Correctional Centre until bail conditions are met. The case was adjourned to July 17, 2026, for mention.
Kabiru Olajide is accused of stabbing a couple and causing N5 million in damages after refusing to pay a N75,000 bar bill, yet faces bail conditions that may be unreachable for someone earning a driver's wage. If he cannot secure two sureties and half a million naira, he will remain in custody over a dispute rooted in a debt less than a tenth of the alleged damage. The situation exposes a disconnect between bail terms and economic reality for low-income defendants in Lagos. This case may test whether the justice system accommodates financial hardship or defaults to punitive detention.
Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →
