The grade I Area Court in Karu, Abuja, has ordered that two men, Haruna Aminu and Haruna Ayuba be remanded in prison custody for beating up a police sergeant.

The police charged Messrs Aminu and Ayuba with criminal conspiracy, causing hurt and theft.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The judge, Umar Mayana, deferred bail for the defendants and adjourned the case until April 19 for a ruling.

Mr Mayana ordered that the defendants be remanded in Keffi Correctional Centre, pending investigation.

Prosecution counsel, Olanrewaju Osho, told the court that Sgt. Umar Bello, attached to Asokoro police station, Abuja, reported the case.

Mr Osho told the court that on February 27, the defendants beat the complainant with sticks.

He said the complainant was wounded by the accused.

Mr Osho said the defendants also stole his Infinix phone worth N35,000 and police belt worth N6,000 and that during an investigation, the defendants confessed to the crime.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 97, 242 and 287 of the Penal Code.

(NAN)