20th October, 2016
Two housewives, who allegedly poured hot water on a hairdresser, Taiwo Aturamu, have appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court.
The accused — Awawu Raimi, 40, and Temitayo Raimi, 42 — both of No. 9, Jones St., Ipaja, a Lagos suburb, are standing trial on a two-count charge of conspiracy and grievous harm.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Michael Unah, told the court that the accused committed the offences on Oct. 17 at Igbogila in Ipaja.
Unah said the duo battered the complainant (the hairdresser) by pouring hot water on her face, chest and breasts.
“The complainant Aturamu, who is a hairdresser in Igbogila, said she was in her shop when one of the accused persons, Raimi, brought her daughter to do her hair.
“Aturamu reported that when she finished making the hair, she decided to use hot water to smoothen the tips of the hair.”
She said in the process of putting the hair in the water, some water splashed on the girl’s shoulder and she quickly dropped the bowl of water and applied grease on her shoulder.
“The hairdresser said that when Raimi came to pick her daughter, she explained what had happened to the mother and also refunded the money she had paid for the hair.
“Raimi, who was not happy about the incident, went home and told her mate (Temitayo) what happened.
“Aturamu said that she was closing her shop when the duo appeared with a big flask and she was about to apologise again, the duo opened the flask and poured hot water on her face, chest and breasts.
“The complainant was immediately rushed to the hospital by witnesses; she suffered injuries on the face, chest and both breasts.”
The prosecutor said the case was immediately reported to the police and the accused persons were arrested for questioning.
The offences contravened Sections 243 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
Section 243 stipulates seven years imprisonment for grievous harm, while Section 409 prescribes a two-year jail term for conspiracy.
Both pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Senior Magistrate, Mrs A. O. Gbajumo, admitted the accused to a bail of N200,000 each with two sureties each.
Gbajumo also said the sureties must be gainfully employed and also show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail condition.
Further hearing in the case was fixed for Nov. 9.