Driver In Court For Allegedly Stripping Female Passenger In Public

By Ugochi Ugochukwu, Abuja

An Abuja-based taxi driver, Chinedu Ukabu , on Friday appeared in a Karmo Grade I Area Court, Abuja for allegedly stripping and assaulting a female passenger in public.

Ukabu, who resides in Gwagwa Karmo village, Abuja was docked on a three-count charge of criminal force, assault and mischief.

The prosecution, Mrs Ijeoma Ukagha, told the court that the matter was reported on April 10 at the Utako Police Station Abuja, by the complainant, Chukwu Chinaza of 294 Owners Occupier Kubwa Abuja.

Ukagha said that on the same date at about 3. 30 p.m. the complainant boarded the defendant`s taxi from Wuse zone 3 to Berger round about.

He said along the way, Chinaza had a little argument with the defendant.

The prosecutor said on getting to Berger bus stop, Ukabu, with criminal intention, forced the complainant out from the said car.

“On the process of pushing her from the car, Ukabu criminally and violently tore the complainant’s cloth, valued at N25, 000 and stripped her naked in the public,’’ she said.

She said the offence contravened the provisions of Sections 327 and 265 of the Penal Code.

Ukabu, however, denied the allegations leveled against him.

The prosecutor prayed the court to grant her date to open her case against the defendant.

The judge, Alhaji Inuwa Maiwada, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N25, 000 and one surety in like sum.

Maiwada ordered that the surety must be a grade level 8 officer in the civil service and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

The judge also said that the surety must present letter of appointment and current utility bill, in his name, to the court registrar of the court.

Maiwada, who said that the surety must present any valid means of identification as part of the bail condition, adjourned the case till May 15 for hearing. (NAN)