A Lagos based trader, Chukwunonso Uchegbu, has been dragged to the Yaba Chief Magistrate court charged with beating his best friend's wife, Grace Nzedinobi, to a pulp and injuring her in the process.
The 55-year-old Uchegbu who resides at No. 10, Kayode Lateef Street, Ikorodu area of the state, is facing a three-count charge bordering on assault and grievous bodily harm.
According to the police prosecutor, ASP Godwin Anyanwu, Uchegbu was not happy with the victim's bad influence on his wife who is her friend and after a lot of verbal warnings, he cornered her one evening and gave her the beating of her life.
Nzedinobi, and the accused’s wife were neighbours and friends and also belong to the same society in the church.
Anyanwu told the court:
"The accused confronted the complainant that she is a bad influence on his wife which led to a misunderstanding between them.
On the fateful day, the complainant went to buy something and met the wife of the accused on her way and the duo exchanged greetings. When the accused saw them, he abused the complainant and threw sand on her face.
The complainant tried to run away, but the accused held her and gave her blows on her face and then the accused carried a nine-inch block and hit her on the head.
The complainant fainted and was taken to Ikorodu General Hospital by the accused’s wife and some good Samaritans."
Uchegbu however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read to him and the Chief Magistrate, A.O. Soladoye, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000, while adjourning the case to July 17 for mention.