Prosecution counsel’s absence stalls trial of trader charged with defilement
The absence of the prosecution counsel, Hafsat Ibrahim, on Tuesday stalled the trial of a trader, Mohammed Sani, charged with defilement.
The National Agency for Prohibition and Trafficking in Persons charged Mr Sani with two counts of defilement.
The defence counsel, Ibrahim Jibril, told the court that it was the fourth time the matter was adjourned at the instance of the prosecution.
Mr Jubril said, “In the interest of justice, we would be seeking a date.’’
Justice Kezziah Ogbonnaya adjourned the matter until June 24 and ordered for the prosecution counsel to be notified of the new date.
The prosecution alleged that the defendant defiled a 13-year-old girl at Apo resettlement, Abuja, sometime in 2022.
She added that the defendant made the girl engage in the sexual act to the detriment of her physical and psychological wellbeing.
The offence, she said, contravened the provisions of sections 1(1), (2) and 5(1) of the Violence Against Persons Prohibition Act, 2015.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Ogun: Police seek stronger collaboration with NDLEA to tackle drug abuse
He made the appeal during a familiarisation visit to the NDLEA command in Abeokuta.
States
Gov. Abiodun inaugurates 5.5-kilometre road in Abeokuta
He said that the project is part of his administration’s efforts to improve road infrastructure.
States
2027: INEC to conclude CVR second phase in Oyo on Friday
Mr Tella said this was in line with the commission’s CVR timetable.
Hot news Home top
Gunmen kidnap UTME candidates, others in Benue
Mr Emenari, however, said one of the victims eventually escaped from the kidnappers.
Economy
FG, investors partner to revive palm oil sector
He said the programme aims to achieve up to 500 million dollars in annual import savings.
Heading 4
Lagos remains top investment destination in Nigeria: Obasa
He urged the House to continue enacting policies that would ease business operations.
