A 52-year-old community leader, Jamiu Ogunmakin, was on Wednesday arraigned in an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly assaulting a contractor.

The police charged Ogunmakin, whose address was not provided, with assault and conduct likely to cause breach of peace.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecution Counsel, ASP Johnson Pendosoji, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on October 3 at Orile Ogunmakin Village, Obafemi-Owode Local Government Area of Ogun.

Mr Pendosoji alleged that Ogunmakin, who is the baale (traditional head) of the community, assaulted the complainant and contractor, Edunjobi Adeolu.

He said Adeolu, was prevented from carrying out his lawful duty by Ogunmakin.

The police said that Ogunmakin claimed that the contractor had no right to deposit sand meant for his client on the property.

The prosecutor said Adeolu told Ogunmakin that the land belonged to him but it was actually community land.

“This act alone triggered the defendant. He assaulted the complainant, causing bodily harm and an injury to his neck,” the prosecutor said.

The Magistrate, A.Y. Morakinyo, admitted Ogunmakin to bail in the sum of N200, 000 with one surety in like sum.

She said the surety must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary.

Mrs Morakinyo ordered that Ogunmakin should be remanded at the Oba Correctional Facility pending the perfection of his bail conditions.

She adjourned the case until October 28 for further hearing.

(NAN)