Woman arraigned for ‘bathing her friend with pepper’

A 27-year-old woman, Patience Edet, has been charged before an Ejigbo Magistrate’s Court with allegedly bathing her friend, Rose Agali, 26, with pepper.

The accused is facing a two count-charge of assault and breach of peace, punishable under Section 171 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2011.

Prosecuting Corporal Oladejo Balogun told the court that the offence was committed at 11, Olowu Street, Egan, a Lagos suburb.

Trouble started after Patience allegedly asked Rose to leave her lover, Emmey, without success.

The accused, who blamed the complainant for her failed relationship, told the court that she warned Rose to  allow Emmey come back to her. Rose, Patience added, refused, insisting that she also loves him.

Patience alleged that Rose told her that Emmey  who approached her and as such she could not let him go.

Angry at her friend’s response, the accused allegedly blended pepper, mixed it with water and poured the substance on Rose’ face and body.

After bathing her with the substance, Patience allegedly beat her up. The complainant was injured and rushed to a hospital.

Rose who told the court that she went out that fateful day, said she did not know Patience had ground pepper and was waiting for her return.

She said she was shocked when the substance was poured on her by the accused who also beat her up, knocking off one of her teeth.

The accused pleaded not guilty and was granted N50,000 bail, with one surety in the like sum by Magistrate M.B. Folami, who adjourned the matter till November 14.