Court discharges man accused of assault in Damaturu

Ahmed Isah

A Chief Magistrate Court in Damaturu has discharged a man, Uche Friday Uche, over alleged criminal force against a minor.

The presiding Chief Magistrate, Mohammed Bilyaminu, gave the order after reviewing evidence presented by the prosecution.

The case, marked YBS/DT/CMC-I/19/2021, was filed by the Commissioner of Police against the accused.

The prosecution, led by M.H. Muhammad, alleged that the accused committed an offence punishable under Section 268 of the Penal Code.

The charge bordered on use of criminal force against a girl with intent to outrage her modesty.

However, counsel to the accused, S.S. Karasuwa, contested the allegations and urged the court to dismiss the case.

In his ruling, the magistrate held that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case against the accused.

He ruled that the evidence adduced was insufficient to warrant the framing of charges.

“The prosecution has not established a prima facie case to justify further proceedings,” the magistrate said.

Bilyaminu consequently struck out the case and discharged the accused person.

The court order was issued under the hand and seal of the Chief Magistrate Grade I, Damaturu Magisterial District.