The police on Wednesday arraigned Hajia Imranatu Abubakar before a Chief Magistrates’ Court, Wuse, Abuja, for alleged defamation of character.

The prosecuting counsel, Simpa Ibrahim, said that the complainant, Jamila Mohammed, petitioned the Area Commander Metro, Maitama, Abuja on the matter on July 23.

Mr Ibrahim alleged that the defendant invited the complainant to her house for a visit sometime in May and days later, accused her of stealing a gold ring valued at N750,000.

He added that the defendant claimed to have CCTV footage of the complainant committing the act which was false and had no evidence to buttress her claim.

The prosecution said that the defendant’s act harmed the complainant’s reputation, adding that the offence contravened section 392 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

The defence counsel, K.C Nwaigbo made a bail application for the defendant citing sections 36(5) of the 1999 constitution,158 & 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA).

The Magistrate, Umar Dodo, granted the defendant N50,000 bail with one surety who must depose to an affidavit to produce the defendant in court anytime she is needed.

Mr Dodo also ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and address verified by the court’s registrar.

He adjourned the matter until August 19 for hearing.

(NAN)