The police at Idimu Police Division have arrested and charged a 24-year old man, Kunle Oyebanji, before Ejigbo Magistrates’ Court, in Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, for allegedly stabbing a retailer, Umoru Musa, over N10 cigarette.
Oyebanji was charged with assault and refusing to pay for a stick of cigarette to Musa who sells provisions at 1, Pipeline Street, Idimu, Lagos.
Narrating what happened, Musa said Oyebanji usually buys provisions from him on credit. But after some months, Musa said he stopped selling to him when he refused to pay his debts and threatened him whenever he asked for his money.
On the fateful day, Musa said the suspect came to his kiosk and demanded for a stick cigarette but he refused to sell to him. But instead of leaving, Musa alleged that Oyebanji forcefully picked the cigarette and smoked at the kiosk.
Musa alleged that Oyebanji refused to pay for the cigarette when he demanded for his money. Instead, Oyebanji became angry and questioned Musa for asking him for the money.
In annoyance it was alleged that Oyebanji brought out a knife from his pocket and stabbed Musa several times.
When Musa began to bleed and slump, Oyebani allegedly fled from the scene of the incident.
The matter was reported at Idimu Police Division, while Musa was rushed to a nearby hospital in the area.
Oyebanji was later arrested and charged to court.
When he was arraigned in court, he pleaded not guilty.
Oyebanji admitted that he went to Musa’s kiosk to buy cigarette on credit but he promised to pay him.
He said the problem began when Musa insisted that he must pay him before leaving the kiosk .
Oyebanji said he explained to him that he had no money on him but Musa insisted on collecting his money.
The suspect said the argument resulted in exchange of words and a fight between them.
The presiding magistrate, Mr P. E. Nwaka, granted Oyebanji bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The matter was adjourned till 14 August.