By John Ikani
Lagos State Command of the Nigeria Police has arrested and arraigned a socialite Ms Ogulu known as Erelu Okin, who distributed petrol as souvenir during a party held at Havilah Events Centre, Victoria Island on March 4, 2022.
A statement released by spokesperson of the state command, Adekunle Ajisebutu, revealed that Ogulu was arraigned on a “four-count charge of conduct likely to cause a breach of peace, endangering human life by distributing combustible matter in a public gathering, intent to harm another and unlawfully carrying on the business of storage and containerising petroleum product without a permit.”
On March 5, a viral video showed how party guests were handed gallons of petrol at the “Erelu Okin Installation Foundation Party,” according to the sticker.
It was a coronation party of Ms Ogulu, a fashion stylist, as the Erelu Okin of Orile Kemta.
Videos of the distribution of petrol-filled jerrycans at the event had elicited reactions on social media.
The Lagos state government 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.
The event took place when Nigerians were battling petrol scarcity, after the supply chain was disrupted owing to the importation of off-spec petrol.
According to the police statement issued on Tuesday, “the fashion stylist was arraigned on Monday at the Special Offences (Mobile) Court of Lagos State in the Ikeja Magisterial District at Oshodi.
It explained that “the order to arrest the suspects was issued the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Abiodun Alabi not long after the video went viral.
The statement went on to “reiterate the commitment of the command to protecting lives and property” and further “warned citizens against acts capable of endangering human lives.”
