By Wale Odunsi
For making a false call to the Lagos State Fire and Rescue Service, a teenager has earned himself an avoidable conviction.
At the Samuel Ilori Magistrate Court Ogba in Ikeja on Thursday, Uzuokwu Solomon was found guilty on a two-count charge.
Magistrate Bambo Odueke committed him to a month of imprisonment with an option of a fine and one month of community service that includes a campaign against false calls.
The Magistrate tempered justice with mercy and passed the minimum verdict of the law after the convict showed remorse and wasted no time in admitting guilt.
Reacting on Friday, the service described the ruling as an acknowledgement of the firefighting profession and the effective service delivery in Lagos.
A statement by Public Affairs Deputy Director, Agboola Ololade said the swift prosecution of the case would serve as a deterrent to others who make hoax calls to emergency responders.
The Director, Margaret Adeseye observed the reduction in fake calls since the start of the case and pledged to work with the culprit to use his community service to educate the public.
On Friday, April 14, 2023, at about 17:35 hours, Solomon of Harmony Estate in the Langbasa area Ajah reported a fire outbreak within the estate.
The agency immediately dispatched a team from the Lekki Phase II Service Station but upon arrival, there was no inferno as claimed.
Solomon first appeared in court on Wednesday, April 19, the matter was tried and completed in less than two weeks.
