By Sewe Ishola

In recent development in the domestic violence saga involving Nollywood actress, Mercy Aigbe and her husband, Lanre Gentry, the latter has been remanded in Kirikiri Prison for alleged wife battering.

He was arraigned at an Ikeja Magistrate Court on a three-count charge of domestic violence, assault, and threat to life which he pleaded not guilty to.

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. He was also ordered to be remanded in prison until he meets the bail terms.

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.

The prosecutor added that Gentry unlawfully assaulted his wife by beating her with physical blows all over her body and also caused Mercy Aigbe’s grievous bodily harm after giving her a blow on the nose, with blood gushing out.

Peter said the offense 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.

Mercy Aigbe had on Monday told the world in an open letter that her husband failed to show up for a court appearance on the basis that he was on admission in the hospital.

They have been married for seven years and the union produced a son. While it is Mercy’s second marriage, it is her husband’s third marriage.

The case has been adjourned till 12 May for trial.