Tenant attacks landlord, caretaker with screwdriver for demanding house rent
A tenant identified as Nelson Ikenna Okoli has been apprehended and charged with assault after he allegedly attacking his landlord, Clement Ene, and caretaker, Benjamin Nwachukwu who came to collect house rent at Uncle Joe Street in the Ijegun area of Lagos.
The altercation reportedly arose from the landlord’s persistent attempts to collect overdue rent from Okoli.
According to reports from P.M.EXPRESS, the landlord and caretaker paid a visit to Okoli’s rented apartment to demand payment for the outstanding rent.
However, Okoli, allegedly infuriated by the visit and facing financial challenges, responded aggressively, threatening them with violence.
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Witnesses state that Okoli pushed and chased the landlord with a plank, forcing Ene to flee for his own safety. In addition, the tenant is said to have used a screwdriver to injure the caretaker’s head before Nwachukwu managed to escape.
The matter was promptly reported to the police at the Isheri Oshun Division, leading to Okoli’s arrest and subsequent detention for questioning regarding his violent behavior.
During the interrogation, Okoli reportedly admitted to attacking the landlord and caretaker due to their persistent demands for rent payment. He allegedly claimed financial difficulties and the harsh economic situation as the reasons why he was unable to fulfill his rental obligations.
Based on the evidence gathered, the police found Okoli to be at fault and subsequently charged him before the Ejigbo Magistrate Court.
If convicted, he could face multiple years of imprisonment for the alleged offense.
During his arraignment, Okoli pleaded not guilty. The prosecutor, Supol Benedict Aigbokhan, requested a hearing date to present the evidence that would prove Okoli’s culpability in the incident.
In response, the presiding magistrate, Mrs. A.K. Dosumu-Uthman, granted Okoli bail in the amount of N50,000, requiring him to provide two sureties who can demonstrate a means of livelihood and proof of tax payment.
The case has been adjourned until September 22, 2023, for mention, while Okoli remains in custody at the Kirikiri town Correctional Centre in Lagos until he can fulfill the bail conditions.
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