A Nigerian youth, Emmanuel Okonkwo, has been arrested and arraigned for beating up a police officer, tearing up his N4,500 shirt, and damaging his wristwatch.

On Wednesday, Mr Okonkwo appeared in Grade I Area Court in Karu, Abuja, for assaulting the cop while on “lawful duty.”

The police charged Mr Okonkwo, 27, of Kurudu, Abuja, with “criminal force and assault on a public servant, obstruction of public servant and mischief.”

The prosecution counsel, A.O. Osho, told the court that the defendant assaulted the officer, Ojoh Edwin, attached to the Jikwoyi Police Divisional Headquarters, Abuja, while on duty and allowed a suspect to disappear.

The prosecutor also alleged that the defendant “criminally conspired” with a Keke rider.

He further detailed how Mr Okonkwo tore Mr Edwin’s shirt worth N4,500, damaged his wristwatch, and broke his phone’s screen guard.

Mr Osho added that the offence contravened sections 267, 194, and 327 of the Penal Code.

But the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate, Inuwa Maiwada, admitted Mr Okonkwo to N200,000 bail with one surety who should be a civil servant and must live within court jurisdiction.

The surety must also provide a statement of account, letter of first appointment, confirmation, letter of last promotion, and office ID card, the judge ordered.

Mr Maiwada adjourned the case until September 27 for mention.