A special offences (mobile) court in Lagos has sentenced Ogbulu Chidinma Pearl, a socialite better known as Erelu Okin, to 27 months imprisonment.
On March 4, Pearl distributed petrol as souvenir to guests at an event organised to celebrate her chieftaincy title.
Videos of the distribution of petrol-filled jerrycans at the event had elicited reactions on social media.
The Lagos state government had, thereafter, sealed off Havilah Event Centre, where the party was held, for contravening public safety rules.
Subsequently, the party host apologised for sharing petrol souvenirs, adding that her intent was “just to show appreciation” to guests.
On Mach 14, Pearl was arraigned on offences said to be in violation of section 251(1), 168 (1), 244 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 and Section 195 (2)(b) of the Environmental Management Protection Law of Lagos State 2017.
Although she pleaded not guilty upon arraignment, she later entered a guilty plea before the court.
Delivering judgment on Friday, Kehinde Ogundare, chief magistrate, convicted the defendant on all three counts.
On count one, he sentenced Pearl to three months imprisonment with an option of N15,000 fine.
On counts two and three, she bagged 12-month imprisonment on each count.
The court, however, gave the option of N500,000 on each count.
Source: Top Stories
