Couple Arraigned Over Alleged Assault, Threats Against Journalist

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

A couple, Stella Olufemi Shodimu and her husband, Olufemi Shodimu, have been arraigned before an Ogba Magistrate Court sitting in Ikeja, Lagos, over alleged conspiracy, assault, malicious damage to property, threatening violence and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace against journalist, Princess Aladegoroye.

The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate O.I. Raji of Court 4, Ogba Magistrate Court, where they pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court admitted them to bail and adjourned the matter until September 23, 2026, for further hearing.

According to the charge sheet filed by the police, the defendants are accused of assaulting Aladegoroye, damaging her property, threatening violence against her and engaging in acts capable of causing a breach of the peace. The charges followed police investigations into the allegations.

The prosecution alleged that Stella Shodimu, an employee of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Ibadan, acted in concert with her husband and other persons said to be at large in carrying out acts of intimidation against the journalist.

It was further alleged by the complainant that the first defendant, accompanied by unidentified persons, visited Aladegoroye’s office and attempted to trace her by allegedly showing the gatekeeper her photograph and details of her vehicle, while the other persons reportedly remained outside the premises. The alleged plan was said to have been foiled following the prompt intervention of security personnel.

The charge sheet also alleged that the defendants assaulted the journalist on separate occasions, inflicting injuries on different parts of her body. They were further accused of intentionally damaging her vehicle by destroying a windscreen wiper and deflating one of its tyres.

The defendants were also accused of threatening violence against the journalist and engaging in conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace, offences said to be contrary to and punishable under Sections 56, 137, 168(d), 305 and 412 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Speaking after the court proceedings, Aladegoroye described the ordeal as traumatic, saying she lived in fear until the police concluded their investigation and brought the matter before the court.

“I had a lot of trauma before the police unravelled them,” Aladegoroye said.

The arraignment has drawn attention because of the allegations of violence and intimidation against a member of the press. Press freedom advocates have repeatedly stressed the need to protect journalists from threats and ensure that reported attacks on media practitioners are thoroughly investigated and prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The defendants are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. The case was adjourned to September 23, 2026, for continuation of hearing.