Lanre Gentry, the estranged husband of top Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe, has been remanded in Kirikiri Prisons in Lagos.
The 52-year-old hotelier, who finally appeared in court on Tuesday after failing to show up twice, is being remanded in prison until he meets the bail demands of N500,000 and two sureties who reside in Lagos and have landed properties.
On Tuesday, at Ogba Chief Magistrate’s Court in Lagos, the presiding judge, Mrs Yewande Aje-Afunwa, ordered Gentry to remain in prison custody until his bail is perfected.
The 52-year-old was charged by the police with three counts of breach of public peace, assault and causing grievous bodily harm on his wife. He pleaded not guilty.
Police prosecutor, Inspector N. Peter told the court that Gentry on April 17, conducted himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by constituting nuisance and behaving in a disorderly manner in a public place.
Peter further said Gentry unlawfully assaulted his wife by beating her with physical blows all over her body.
Gentry was further alleged to have caused Mercy Aigbe grievous bodily harm after giving her a blow on the nose, with blood gushing out.
Then Commissioner of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation Mrs. Akande was said to have handed over the case to the state Ministry of Justice. Despite the explanations given by Mr. Gentry that the pictures of the actress’ bruised face were behind-the-scene images from a movie set, the actress has secured a restraining order against him.
Peter said the offence committed by Gentry was contrary to and punishable under sections 157 (f), 168 (a) and 171 of the Criminal Law No II, Vol. 44 Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2011.
Gentry was granted bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in the like sum.
The sureties must show proof of tax payment and own houses in Lagos with title documents.
NAN reports that the case has been adjourned till 12 May for trial.
