Commercial Sex Worker Allegedly Tears Policeman's Uniform

A 25-year-old commercial sex worker, Anita Mbewu was on Tuesday, September 2 charged before an Apapa Magistrates’ court in Lagos for allegedly assaulting and tearing a police officer’s uniform.

The accused is facing a two-count charge of assault and unlawful damage to properties.

Mbewu, who resides at Ojo area of Lagos committed the offence on Aug. 24 at Katifa Hotel on Old Ojo Road, Kuje Amuwo, Lagos, the Prosecutor, John Iberedem, told the court.

Iberedem said that the accused unlawfully assaulted and tore the uniform of Michael Udoh, while he was carrying out his lawful duty.

He said: “The complainant said he learnt that the commercial sex workers in the hotel usually hid hoodlums and criminals so he decided to lead a team to raid the hotel.

“While they were searching for the hoodlums, Udoh saw the accused smoking a cigarette in public and ordered her to put it out.

“She refused and the policeman attempted to remove it from her lips, but as he drew close to her,  Mbewu just grabbed him and tore his uniform,” Iberedem stated.

The prosecutor said the offences committed contravened provisions of Section 172 and 348 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Meanwhile the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 172 prescribes three years imprisonment for serious assault, while Section 348 stipulates two-year jail term for unlawful damage.

The Senior Magistrate, Patrick Adekomaiya, granted the accused bail in the sum of N10, 000 with one surety in like sum.

He adjourned the case till Sept. 15 for trial.