A trader, Joachim Iroko, who named his pet dog Buhari was, yesterday, arraigned and granted bail by an Ota Chief Magistrate (2), B. J. Ojikutu, in Ogun State, at about 10am.

The accused, granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties, who must be regular payers of their taxes in the state, in the like sum, was charged for conduct likely to cause breach of peace, in a case with suit number MOT/617c/2016. However, as of press time, his family members had yet to perfect the bail for his release. He was subsequently taken to the Ibara Prison.

The prosecutor, Inspector Itaita Ebibomini, said the accused committed the offence on Saturday 13 August, 2016 at Hausa section of Ketere Market in Sango-Ota in the Ota Magisterial District.

The prosecutor told the court that the offence is punishable under Section 249 (d) of Criminal Code of Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2016.” The accused, who was represented by a counsel, U. Michael, pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Count charge The one count charge read: “That you Joachim Iroko a.k.a Joe and other still at large on Saturday 13th day of August 2016, at about 5.30pm at Ketere area Sango, in the Ota Magisterial District did conduct yourself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace, by writing a name ‘Buhari’ on a dog and parading same in the Hausa section of Ketere Market Sango and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 249 (d) of Criminal Code of Laws of Ogun State of Nigeria, 2016.”

His counsel had pleaded that the accused be granted bail, as the offence was a bailable one. The two witnesses in the case were present in court. The prosecutor, however, did not oppose the plea for bail by accused’s counsel.

Chief Magistrate Ojikutu, while granting the bail to the accused ordered that the two sureties must attach four passport photographs each to the bail bond, deposed to affidavits of being gainfully engaged and reside in the court’s jurisdiction. He thereafter adjourned the case till 19th September.

Iroko, who had been formerly identified as Joe Fortemose Chinakwe, was arrested on Saturday 13th August after one of his neighbours who is of Northern extraction, complained that he named the dog after his father, Alhaji Buhari. The suspect was first taken to Sango Police Station, from where he was transferred to state command headquarters at Eleweran, Abeokuta. However, as at time of filing this story, his family members were yet to perfect the bail for his release.

•Sourced from Vanguard and The PUNCH. Photo shows the accused Joachim Iroko (formerly identified as Joe Fortemose Chinakwe).

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