A Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja discharged a 29-year-old labourer, Mohammad Aliyu, who was standing trial for stealing overboard pipes.

The magistrate, Musa Jobbo, discharged Mr Aliyu, following an application by the prosecutor, Charity Nwachukwu.

Ms Nwachukwu prayed that the case should be terminated due to a lack of interest in continuing with the case on the path of the complainant, Emmanuel Kelechi.

Ms Nwachukwu informed the court that the complainant has refused to appear in court to give his evidence against the defendant.

She told the court that all efforts made by the prosecutor to reach the complainant failed.

Mr Aliyu, who resides in Bida, Niger, was charged with theft in July 2024, and he pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate said, “Having heard the prosecution’s application to terminate the suit for lack of interest by the complainant, the case is hereby struck out.

“The defendant is also discharged of all criminal charges and the First Information Report is hereby withdrawn.”

Earlier, the prosecutor told the court that the complainant reported the case at Gwarinpa police station on July 31, 2024

Ms Nwachukwu said that on the same date, at 3:00 a.m., the defendant dishonestly went into the complainant’s site without his consent.

She claimed that the defendant was apprehended while fleeing after stealing ten pieces of two-meter overboard pipes belonging to the complainant.

The prosecutor said the defendant was caught and handed over to the police for investigation.

She said that during the police investigation, the defendant made a confessional statement, which led to the recovery of the pipes.

(NAN)