The arraignment of three individuals accused of unlawfully taking possession of a hotel in Ayobo area of Lagos without authority was postponed due to the absence of the defendants.
The accused, Moroof Owonla, Yemisi Abdulaziz, and Ganiyu Aminu, who were to be arraigned before Justice Adenike Coker of an Ikeja High Court, did not have legal representation.
The Lagos State Prosecution Counsel, Mrs Adeegbe Titi, told the court that the defendants were currently not in custody.
Justice Coker, thereafter, adjourned the matter until Dec. 5 for arraignment.
Over 20 witnesses had been named to give accounts of the illegal activities of the defendants, with over 14 shreds of evidence before the court.
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The defendants had in 2022, conspired with many others, now at large, engaged armed thugs, to attack a hotel in the Ayobo area of the state, destroyed 30 locks of room apartments, over 25 split air conditioners, and three Del laptops among others.
The total amount of property destroyed is valued at N32 million, the defendants also forcefully took possession of the said property located at No. 34, Faguson Osagie Street, Ayobo.
It was reported that the defendants, without authority, unlawfully sold the said property to one Blessing Nwordi for N12 million.
The alleged offences contravened Sections 411, 350, and 287 among others.
