The Lagos State Fire Service has initiated legal proceedings against one Waheed Balogun for assaulting a firefighter who was on duty in the Ikotun area of Lagos State.
The Deputy Director of Public Affairs for the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, Ololade Agboola, provided this information in a statement released on Tuesday.
According to Agboola, the suspect, Waheed Balogun, was arraigned before Magistrate A.A. Adesanya of a Special Offences ,Mobile, Court located in the Oshodi area of the state. The incident in question occurred on October 1, 2023, at 167 Egbe Road, Cele Egbe, Ikotun, Lagos, where Balogun allegedly assaulted a firefighter during official duties.
Balogun claimed that the firefighters obstructed his tricycle/motorcycle park operations with their fire truck. As a result, he was apprehended by the Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences Task Force, leading to the legal action now being taken against him.
Upon arraignment, Magistrate Adesanya granted the defendant bail in the amount of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum. The conditions for bail include Lagos residency, being a public servant or clergyman, providing two years of tax payment receipts, possession of a Lagos State Residents Registration Agency ,LASSRA, card, and a National Identification Number ,NIN.
The court has adjourned the case until December 19 for further hearing.
In a statement posted on its official page, the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service reiterated its commitment to prosecuting the accused for assaulting firefighters engaged in statutory duty. The incident occurred during a response to a fire incident, and the accused allegedly attacked the firefighters, leading to a confrontation.
The legal action underscores the determination of the Lagos State Fire Service to uphold the safety and well-being of its personnel while they carry out their essential duties in serving the community.
