By Hosea Parah
The police in Abuja have arrested and arraigned Favour Richard before the Dutse Chief Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, on Tuesday for inciting the public to attack police officers.
The prosecution counsel, John Okpa, told the court that the incident occurred on August 4 at Dutse Sokale, Abuja.
Okpa said that the defendant, of Freedom Avenue, Dutse-Alhaji, Abuja, incited residents to attack police officers while they were taking him into custody for investigation.
He said the defendant knew or had reason to believe he had aided, facilitated, and instigated a cheating offence for which he was being arrested.
The police charged Richard with resistance or obstruction to lawful arrest or escape and inciting disturbance of public peace, contrary to Sections 173 and 114 of the Penal Code Law.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
In view of the defendant’s denial, Okpa requested a date for hearing from the court, even as he did not oppose the bail application.
The chief magistrate, Abdullahi Ilelah, admitted the defendant to bail of N2 million, with one “reasonable and reliable” surety in like sum.
Ilelah said that the surety must provide a verifiable means of identification and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
He thereafter adjourned the matter until October 7 for hearing.