Man in Court for Failing to Pay for Drink at a Bar

In the Shomolu neighbourhood of Lagos State, a barman received an order for drinks worth N113,000 from a man named Michael Adams, who was arraigned at the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on Wednesday. The man refused to pay the barman.

Magistrate O.Y. Adefope heard Adams’ police arraignment on one charge that involved obtaining and consuming alcohol and other counts involving the false pretence of payment.

Adams and his friends went into the VIP area of the bar, ordered drinks and were given their bill afterward, but he refused to pay, according to the prosecutor, Haruna Magaji.

In his statement, Adams claimed that it was not he who was supposed to pay but rather one of his friends who had asked him to order the drinks. But while Adams was being held, the aforementioned friend left the bar.

According to Section 314 of the Lagos State Criminal Law in Nigeria, Magaji informed the court that they committed the crime on December 2, 2023.

The charge stated as follows: “That on December 2, 2023, around 12.30 am, at No 47, Oluwadare Street, Somolu, in the Lagos Magisterial District, you, Michael Adams, did obtain two Martel drinks valued at N90,000; Jameson valued at N10,000; five Powerhorses valued at N7,000; Hollandia yoghurt valued at N2,000; a bottled water valued at N2,600; and two Trophy Stout valued at N2,400. The total value of the drinks obtained from Naomi, the barmaid, is N113,000. This was done only with the intent”.

But the accused entered a not guilty plea to the allegations. He was given N500.000 bail with two responsible sureties in the same amount by Magistrate Adefope.

For mention, she postponed the case until January 17, 2024.