Twin brothers allegedly cut friend’s hand with cutlass over phone in Ondo

An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, April 18, ordered the remand of 25-year-old twin brothers; Godtin and James Okon, at a correctional centre, for allegedly cutting their friend’s hand with a cutlass.

The defendants were alleged to have cut off the the left hand of one Joseph Anthony, during argument over ownership of a cell phone.

Godtin and James, who are security guards, are facing three-counts bothering on conspiracy, assault occasioning harm.

The police prosecutor, Nelson Akintimehin, told the court that the defendants committed the offence around 4pm at Ilado Quarters, Alagbaka, Akure.

Akintimehin said the defendants conspired to commit a misdemeanor by unlawfully assaulting one Joseph Anthony, by beating him with their fist blows all over his body.

He also alleged that the brothers used a cutlass to inflict a deep cut on the victim’s left hand during a fisticuff on who owns a cell phone.

The offences, according to the charge, contravene Sections 517, 252, 355 of the Criminal Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

At the proceeding, the victim, who appeared with his bandaged hand, accused the first defendant, Godtin, as the one who severed his hand.

The prosecutor urged the court to remand the defendants in the correctional facility, pending the determination of the case.

The defence counsel. N. Isaiah, prayed the court to grant his clients bail in most liberal terms, saying they are ready to provide a substantial sureties.

Chief Magistrate Musa Al-yunus, ordered the remand of the first defendant, Godtin, who the victim claimed cut his hand, at the Olokuta Correctional Centre and granted the second defendant, James, bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till May 16, 2023, for a hearing.