By Mercy Akossun
A 28-year-old woman, Chidinma Simeon, was on Friday arraigned before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos State for allegedly biting off her neighbour’s lip during a violent altercation.
Simeon, whose residential address was not provided in court, is facing a charge of assault. She, however, pleaded not guilty to the allegation.
According to the prosecution, the incident occurred at about 7:30 p.m. on September 10 in Tozunkanmeh, Ajara-Ajamathen area of Badagry. The prosecutor, ASP Edet Ekpo, told the court that Simeon attacked her neighbour, Anu-Oluwapo Sule, during a dispute and bit her lip off, leaving her with a permanent disfigurement.
Ekpo explained that the offence contravenes Section 245 of the Lagos State Criminal Law of 2015, which prescribes penalties for causing grievous bodily harm. The prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the injury, describing it as one that would have lasting physical and emotional impact on the complainant.
In his ruling, the presiding Chief Magistrate, Nurudeen Layeni, granted Simeon bail in the sum of ₦1 million, with two sureties in like sum. Layeni further directed that one of the sureties must be a recognized community leader and that a sum of ₦100,000 must be deposited into the account of the court’s Chief Registrar before the bail could be perfected.
The magistrate cautioned both parties to refrain from further hostilities pending the determination of the case. He stressed the importance of allowing the judicial process to take its course without interference or escalation of the conflict.
The matter was subsequently adjourned until October 10 for mention, giving both the prosecution and defence time to prepare their submissions.
The arraignment has since drawn attention in the Badagry community, with residents expressing shock over the severity of the injury inflicted. Legal observers note that while assault cases are common, the allegation of biting off a neighbour’s lip and causing permanent disfigurement underscores the violent nature of the dispute and the need for the courts to carefully consider the facts when trial begins.
If convicted under Section 245, Simeon could face significant legal penalties.
