Court grants salesgirl N50,000 bail for tearing policeman’s uniform

A Gudu Upper Area Court, Abuja, on Monday granted a 23-year-old sales girl, Ekaete Nwen, bail in the sum of N50, 000 for allegedly tearing a police officer’s uniform.

The presiding officer, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, ordered the defendant to produce one reliable surety who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

Kagarko adjourned the case till Sept. 28 for hearing.

Nwen of Gwarinpa village, Abuja, is standing trial on two counts of assault and obstructing a public servant to discharge his function.

 

The prosecutor, Adeniyi Oyeyemi, said Esther Christopher of Nyanya Barracks, Abuja, reported the matter at the FCT Command, Abuja, on Jan. 10, 2013.

He said that the defendant and her mother, Mfan went to the complainant’s shop and collected food items worth N300, 000 from the complainant with a promise to pay her back.
Oyeyemi added that the defendant promised to pay the complainant as soon as they sell their food at their own shop.

“The complainant went to the police station on July 25 to remind the Investigating Police Officer, Bala Yusuf, of the matter.

“The IPO went to the defendant’s shop with the complainant and asked the defendant to follow him to the station, which she refused to do.

“The defendant ran into a toilet and on her way out of the toilet, the IPO stopped her, then she tore his shirt and fought him.”

He said the offence contravened sections 265 and 148 of the Penal Code.

Nwen pleaded not guilty to the offence when it was read to her.