The Lagos State Police Command has arraigned a Lagos socialite, Ogbulu Chidinma Pearl (aka Erelu Okin), before the Special Offences (Mobile) Court of Lagos State in the Ikeja Magisterial District, holden at Oshodi, following her alleged involvement in the distributionpetrol as souvenirs to guests at a March 4 party to celebrate her chieftaincy title.
The police had on Monday arraigned Erelu Okin on a four-count charge of conduct likely to cause breach of peace and endangering human life by distributing combustible matter in a public gathering.
The Lagos socialite was also accused of engaging in an action likely to cause harm to other persons and unlawfully carrying on the business of storage and containerising petroleum products without permit.
The court later granted bail to Erelu Okin while the case has been adjourned till March 24.
The spokesman of the Lagos State Command, Mr Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed this in a statement made available on Tuesday.
He added that the police took prompt action on the matter, saying that, “The commissioner of police reiterates the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property and further warns citizens against acts capable of endangering human lives.”
Incidentally, the videos of the distribution of petrol-filled jerry cans as souvenir took place when the country was and still passing through harrowing fuel scarcity, arising from importation of off-spec petrol.
But the infamous action has elicited sharp condemnation on the social media and general public.
The development prompted Lagos State Government to seal-off the venue of the party, the Havilah Event Centre, for contravening public safety rules.
Erelu Okin later apologised for sharing petrol souvenirs, saying that her intention was “just to show appreciation” to guests who graced the event.
