Man docked for alleged possession of Indian hemp, assault

The police on Monday arraigned a 29-year-old man, Ibrahim Idowu, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly being in possession of Indian hemp and assault.

The defendant, of no fixed address, is facing a three-count charge of possession of Indian hemp, resisting arrest and assault.

The police prosecutor, Insp. Olubu Apata, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Feb.6 at about 10:00 a.m. in Ado-Ekiti.

Apata alleged that the defendant had in his possession weeds suspected to be Indian hemp, adding that he resisted arrest.

He also said that the defendant assaulted Insp. Siyanbola Akeem and Cpl. Omage Samuel, and caused them serious injuries while resisting arrest.

Apata said that the offences contravened Sections 5(b) of the Indian Hemp Act 1966, 197 and 356 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.

He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him study the file and assemble his witnesses.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him, as there was no counsel to defend him.

The Chief Magistrate, Mrs Kehinde Awosika, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum.

Awosika adjourned the case until Feb.22 for hearing.