A 50-year-old surety, Lawal Muhiru, was on Monday docked before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly aiding the escape of a suspect under police investigation for fraud.

Muhiru, whose residential address was not given, is standing trial on a charge of failing to produce a suspect he stood surety for.

The prosecutor, Mr Daniel Apochi, a lawyer with the Special Fraud Unit, told the court that the accused committed the offence on June 6.

According to Apochi, the offence was committed at the Commissioner of Police Special Fraud Unit, No.13, Milverton Road, Ikoyi, Lagos.

He said that Muhiru stood surety for a suspect, Rotimi Ishola, who was arrested for an offence of obtaining money under false pretences.

Apochi said that Muhiru promised to produce the suspect to the police anytime he was needed at the station, but, however, failed to do so.

“Muhiru failed to produce the suspect to enable him to escape investigation and prosecution,” Apochi said.

The offence contravened Section 19 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The accused denied the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs O. O. Oshin granted him bail of N200, 000 with one responsible surety who must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government and have his address verified.

The case was adjourned until Aug. 7 for mention.