Lagos – The police on Thursday charged five men before an Apapa Senior Magistrates’ Court in Lagos for allegedly attacking a man with a gun.

The accused are Chuks Emechebe, 46; ThankGod Alo, 29; Cosmas Ikeme, 45; Chukwuma Chukwu, 33, and Ifeanyi Nwankwo, 34.

They are standing trial on a six-count charge of attempted murder, assault, causing injury, stealing, damage to property and conspiracy.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, Cpl. Ajaga Agboko, said the accused attacked one Felix Okafor, Ndubuisi Chukwu and a woman, Ngozi Ojiegwe, with gun and injured them in the process.

Agboko said that the accused stole gold necklace worth N348, 600 and damaged a Nokia handset valued at N21, 000, belonging to Ojiegwe.

He said the offences were committed on May 7 at about 2:00 p.m. at Kano Plaza, No. 15 and 16A, BBA Trade Fair, Lagos.

“The accused attacked their victims, fired gunshot and injured them without any provocation.

“They were rushed to the hospital for the injuries received,” Agboko said.

He said the offences contravened Sections 21, 170, 171, 285, 348 and 409 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

Section 409 stipulates two years for conspiracy.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr M. Owumi, granted each of the accused bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties each in like sum.

Owumi said the addresses of the sureties must be verified by the prosecutor and they must also show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government as part of the bail conditions.

The case was adjourned until July 16 for further hearing. (NAN)