Father takes sons to court for alleged assault, theft

A man, Ade Olowopopo, has taken his two sons, Kunle and Mayowa Olowopopo, to court for allegedly assaulting their sister, Bisi Olowopopo, and for stealing his properties at Lakwe Lekki, Lagos State.

The Olowopopo siblings were brought before Magistrate O. M. Ajayi at the Ebute Metta Magistrate’s Court on Monday, facing five charges including breach of peace, assault, breaking and entering, stealing, and threats to life.

Prosecutor Paul Ugorji informed the court that the alleged crimes took place in 2019 when the complainant was abroad.

During this time, the defendants reportedly broke into their father’s compound, physically assaulted their elder sister, and forcibly expelled her. They are also accused of stealing a Toyota 4 Runner Jeep valued at N7 million and a block molding machine without authorization.

The court learned that the sons are from Olowopopo’s second marriage, and disputes, particularly regarding paternity, have led to family discord.

According to Ugorji, the charges contravene Sections 411, 172, 287, 56, 168(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.

The charges included, “That you, Adekunle Olowopopo, 35, and Mayowa Olowopopo, 33, sometime in 2019 at Lakwe Lekki, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did conspire together to commit felony to wit assault, stealing, breaking and entry and conduct likely to cause a breach of peace and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.

“That you, Adekunle Olowopopo ‘m’ and Mayowa Olowopopo, sometime in 2019, did assault one Adebisi Olowopopo, your elder sister, by beating her with fist blows and chasing her out of the compound and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 172 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria, 2015.

“That you, Adekunle Olowopopo and Mayowa Olowopopo, sometime in 2019, on the above date, time and place in the aforementioned Magisterial District, did steal a Toyota 4 Runner Jeep valued at N7m and a block moulding machine, properties of Adeleke Olowopopo and thereby committed an offence punishable under Section 287 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State Nigeria, 2015.”

The defendants however pleaded guilty to the charges.

Following their plea, the magistrate, Ajayi, admitted them to bail in the sum of N40,000 with one responsible surety.

She however advised the family to go and settle the case and make peace.

She adjourned the case until December 12, 2023, for trial.