CYRIACUS IZUEKWE
A 44-year-old man, Bright Ogbe, has been arraigned before the Magistrate Court of Lagos State over alleged offences connected with the alleged assault of his wife at their matrimonial home in Lagos.
The case was filed as Commissioner of Police Vs Bright Ogbe ‘M’ 44 Years, with Charge No. MAL8/128/20…2026.
The matter came up before the presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. Kusanu.
The Prosecutor in the matter was SP Philip Adegbemuji.
According to the charge sheet, the alleged offences were said to have occurred at No. 37 Omolayo Oregun Street, Liberty Estate, Ago Palace Way, Lagos, in the Lagos Magisterial District.
In Count I, the prosecution alleged that Bright Ogbe and two others at large, on the 11th day of August, 2026, at the said address, physically assaulted his wife, one Uche Ogbe ‘f’, by beating her up and causing her bodily harm.
The offence in Count I is said to be punishable under Section 173 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count II, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, on the 12th day of August, 2026, at the same address, conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of the peace by throwing his wife, one Uche Ogbe ‘f’, and her personal belongings out of her matrimonial home.
The offence in Count II is said to be punishable under Section 168(D) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
In Count III, the prosecution alleged that the defendant, at the same address, attempted to kill his wife, one Uche Ogbe ‘f’, by strangling her neck.
The offence in Count III is said to be punishable under Section 230 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2015.
When the charges were read to him, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Following the plea, the presiding Magistrate, Mrs O. Kusanu, granted him bail with sureties who must show evidence of means of livelihood and tax payment.
The defendant was remanded in a Correctional Centre pending perfection of his bail conditions.
The charge sheet was signed by ACP Oluwatoyin Kazeem, Police Officer.
Domestic violence remains a serious issue in Lagos and across Nigeria. The Lagos State Government, through the Domestic and Sexual Violence Agency, DSVA, has repeatedly urged victims to report cases of assault, threats, and other forms of abuse in the home.
The agency has also warned that no person has the right to assault a spouse, partner or family member, and that such cases will be investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.
Under Lagos State law, assault, conduct likely to cause breach of the peace, and attempted murder are serious offences. The prosecution is expected to present evidence to prove the allegations, including medical evidence where available, and the testimony of the alleged victim and other witnesses.
The defence is also entitled to present its own evidence and to challenge the evidence presented by the prosecution.
In domestic cases, courts often consider the safety of the alleged victim, the need to prevent further alleged harm, and the need to ensure that the defendant attends trial.
Bail is not an acquittal. It is a temporary release to allow the defendant to prepare his defence while the case continues in court. Where bail conditions are not perfected, the defendant remains in custody until the conditions are met.
The Lagos State Government has in recent years strengthened laws and institutions to protect victims of domestic violence, including the provision of shelters, counselling, legal aid and emergency response.
Human rights advocates say that many victims of domestic violence do not report because of fear, stigma, family pressure, or financial dependence. They urge victims, neighbours and family members to speak up and seek help when they witness abuse.
They also urge members of the public not to take the law into their own hands, but to report cases to the Police, the DSVA, or other relevant authorities for proper investigation.
The prosecution is expected to call witnesses to prove the allegations against the defendant, including the alleged beating, the alleged throwing out of the wife and her belongings, and the alleged strangling.
It is important to note that all allegations contained in the charge sheet remain allegations until proven in court. The defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty under Nigerian law and Section 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution.
http://pmexpressng.com will continue to monitor proceedings at the Magistrate Court and report updates as the case progresses. Efforts to reach the defendant for comment were not successful as at press time. Our offer to publish his side of the story remains open.
