Surety arraigned for failing to produce accused in court

A 45-year-old trader, Michael Itotowa, who allegedly failed to produce the accused he stood as surety for, was on Friday docked at an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.
Itotowa, whose address is unknown, is standing trial on charges bordering on obstruction of justice.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Ezekiel Ayorinde, the accused committed the offences on June 15, 2015 at Ikeja Magistrates’ Court 2.
Ayorinde said the accused conspired with another man still at large to obstruct and pervert the course of justice by standing as surety to a man, Mr John Izuchukwu.
“The accused stood as a surety for  Izuchukwu, who is involved in a case of assault reported by Mrs Joy Adeoye.
“He promised as surety to produce Izuchukwu whenever the court needs him but he failed to do so,” he said.
Instead of producingg him in court, the accused aided Izuchukwu’s escape.
The offences contravened Sections 97 (1) and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The accused pleaded innocence of the offences.
Section 97 (1) provides a minimum of seven years imprisonment for offenders.
In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs J. O. Awope, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.
Awope said the sureties must be gainfully employed and should also provide evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government.
The case was adjourned until May 15 for mention.