A 23-year-old salesgirl, Nifemi Friday, was remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre on Wednesday by an Eti-Osa Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos. She is facing charges of allegedly stealing goods worth N5.2 million and defaming a couple by calling them “ritualists.”
Friday is charged with two counts: theft and defamation of character.
Magistrate Mrs. T.F. Oyaniyi ordered her remand after she pleaded not guilty to the charges brought by the police.
In the charge, marked ET/C/18/2025, the police accuse Friday of stealing goods from a mall and publicly calling businessman Mr. Lateef Lawal and his wife “ritualists.”
The prosecutor, Inspector Adeleye Ganiu, from the Ogombo Police Division, Lagos, stated that the alleged offences took place on December 23, 2024, at around 1:00 p.m. at Obas Mall, Okun Ajah, in Eti-Osa.
Ganiu added that, in addition to the theft, Friday allegedly defamed the Lawals by sharing voice notes on social media, calling them “ritualists,” a claim that could potentially disturb public peace.
The charges filed against Friday violate Sections 287 and 168(d) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2015.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the allegations.
After hearing an oral bail application from her defense counsel, Magistrate Oyaniyi granted Friday bail in the amount of N500,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum.
As her bail conditions are yet to be met, Friday remains remanded at the Kirikiri Correctional Centre. The case has been adjourned until March 26, 2025, for mention.
