A 19-year-old student, Emmanuel Nwagu, was arraigned before a Wuse Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, for allegedly beating and injuring his shop neighbour, Esther Nnona.

The police charged the defendant with criminal force and assault.

The Prosecuting Counsel, Festus Ajayi, said that the defendant and Nnona share shop boundaries at Federal Housing Authority (F.H.A), Lugbe, Abuja.

Mr Ajayi explained that the defendant on August 14, hung his “Ghana must go” bags and blocked the entrance of Nnona’s shop.

He added that when Nnona shifted the bags, the defendant became aggressive and beat Nnona up, thus sustaining injury on her forehead in the process.

He said the offences contravene the provisions of section 265 of the Penal Code.

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

The Magistrate, Abubakar Sadiq, granted the defendant N250,000 bail, with one surety who must provide means of identification and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

Mr Sadiq said that the surety must swear to an affidavit of means of livelihood and his/her address verified by the court’s registrar.

He, thereafter, adjourned the matter till October 15 for hearing.

(NAN)