Man, 37, docked over alleged assault, defamation of character

A 37-year-old man, Okezia Okoye, was, on Tuesday, arraigned before a Grade I Area Court, Kubwa, Abuja, over alleged assault and defamation.

The defendant was charged with criminal trespass, assault, inciting disturbance and defamation of character.

The Prosecution Counsel, Babajide Olanipekun, told the court that the defendant criminally trespassed the shop located at Phase 4, Kubwa, Abuja, belonging to the complainant, Uzoh Nicholas on Dec.13.

Olanipekun said that the defendant attacked the complainant and his wife, and intentionally used abusive words on him in public.

The offences, according to him, contravene the provisions of Sections 348, 265, 113 and 392 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him by the police.

The Judge, Yahaya Sheshi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000, with one surety who must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

Sheshi said that the surety must provide two recent passport photographs, driver’s licence or national identity card and bank verification number (BVN) printout.

He adjourned the case till Feb. 8 for hearing.