A 40-year-old woman, Ifeoma Chianumba, was arraigned on Monday before a Lagos Magistrate Court sitting in Ogba over allegations of conspiracy to commit felony, assault, and grievous harm. The case was filed by the Commissioner of Police and heard in the Lagos Judicial Division.
According to the charge sheet, the defendant is facing a three-count charge. The document stated that the alleged incident occurred on 5th February, 2026, at about 2:00pm at Ajoke Olusanya Street, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Lagos.
In Count 1, it was alleged on the charge sheet that Ifeoma Chianumba and others now at large unlawfully conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit: assault occasioning harm. The prosecution stated that the act allegedly contravened Section 411 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Section 411 of the Lagos Criminal Law covers conspiracy to commit a felony. Legal practitioners say the prosecution must prove that two or more persons agreed to carry out an unlawful act for a conviction under this section.
Count 2 on the charge sheet alleged that on the same date, time, and place, the defendant and others now at large unlawfully assaulted one Vivian Azinge by using a knife to stab her on her right hand, causing multiple injuries. The prosecution stated that the offence is punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Count 3 further alleged that the defendant and others now at large unlawfully did grievous harm on Vivian Azinge by using a knife to inflict multiple wounds on her right hand. According to the charge sheet, this offence is punishable under Section 245 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
Legal observers explain that Section 173 deals with assault occasioning harm, while Section 245 covers grievous harm. They noted that both sections prescribe punishment upon conviction, with sentencing determined by the court after trial based on evidence presented.
Court records indicated that the matter was handled by the State Criminal Investigation Department, SCID, Ikeja. The charge sheet listed Insp. Agesin Olufemi as the Investigating Police Officer.
During the arraignment on June 1, 2026, the charge was read to the defendant and she pleaded not guilty.
Court procedure in Nigeria requires the defendant to plead guilty or not guilty before the case proceeds to hearing.
The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. L.A. Owolabi, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum, according to court records. Court practice in Lagos requires that sureties must be reliable and meet conditions acceptable to the court registry.
The court subsequently adjourned the case to 7th July, 2026, for further proceedings. The defendant was remanded in custody at the Correctional Center at Kirikiri town, Lagos, pending when she will perfect her bail conditions.
Legal analysts emphasized that arraignment is the first stage of criminal proceedings in Nigeria. They noted that under Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution, the defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction, and the court will determine the matter based on evidence presented during trial.
