Nigerian musician and performer Iyanya has been dragged to court for alleged car theft.
The Police Special Fraud Unit (PSFU) Ikoyi, Lagos, arraigned him for the offense on February 4, 2020, before Justice Mobolanle Okikiolu-Ighile of an Igbosere High Court, Lagos.
According to the report, despite allegedly being served with the charge and hearing notice, following which the arraignment was adjourned six times, Iyanya failed to appear in court for arraignment.
justice Okikiolu-Ighile then threatened to invoke the power of the court to ensure Iyanya’s attendance to take his plea. He then appeared before the judge on February 4, 2020.
The Prosecutor counsel, Mr. Chukwu Agwu, a Superintendent of Police (SP), alleged that Iyanya committed the offense sometime in September 2018.
The court heard that the defendant allegedly dishonestly converted to his use the car of another person, a Black Toyota Land Cruiser Prado Sports Utility Vehicle (SUV) marked MAVINIY, with Chassis and Engine numbers JTEBX7FJ7EK165480 and 2TR1385954.
Agwu told the court that said vehicle belongs to ‘The Temple Management Company Ltd, represented by a lawyer, Ayodeji Olomojobi.
The offense, according to the prosecutor, was contrary to Sections 278(1) (b), 279(1)(2) and punishable under Section 285(10) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Iyanya pleaded not guilty.
Agwu prayed the court to remand the defendant in the Nigerian Correctional Services (NCS) custody, pending the hearing and determination of his bail application but Iyanya’s counsel, Mr. Williams A., opposed him. He prayed the court to release the musician to him and undertook to produce him in court on the next adjournment.
Justice Okikiolu-Ighile granted the defense counsel’s prayer and released him to his counsel.
She adjourned till February 27 and March 17, for ruling on Iyanya’s bail application and commencement of trial.
