A 21-year-old businessman, Ifeanyi Anakwe, who resides at No 71, Salami Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, on Monday appeared before an Oshodi Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
He was charged with stabbing a petty trader, Hassan Umaru, with a broken bottle, over N10 cigarette.
Anakwe, is standing trial on a charge of assault.
The prosecutor, Cpl. Kehinde Olatunde told the court that the accused committed the offence on Jan. 25, on Salami Street, Mafoluku, Oshodi, Lagos.
He said that the defendant assaulted Umaru by stabbing him with a broken bottle on his left eye, which caused him bodily harm.
According to the prosecutor, Anakwe was in the habit of buying cigarettes from the petty trader on credit.
“On that fateful day, he came and took a N10 cigarette and promised to come back and pay as usual, but the complainant insisted on collecting his money on the spot,” Olatunde said.
The prosecutor said that the refusal of Umaru prompted Anakwe to bring out a N1,000 note to pay for the cigarette and he also demand for his balance.
“But immediately the defendant collected the balance of N990, he took to his heels without giving the complainant the N1,000.
“The complainant chased the defendant to his house to collect his N1,000, but upon entering his room, Anakwe slammed the door and bolted the lock.
“But the complainant forced open the door and when he entered, the defendant beat him up, broke a beer bottle and stabbed him on his left eye,” the prosecutor said.
Olatunde said that the offence contravened Sections 171 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge when it was read to him.
The magistrate, Mr. Akeem Fashola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum and adjourned the case to Feb.19.