By Talatu Maiwada
Abuja – A 36-year-old man, Eteng Patrick, was on Friday, docked in a Kado Grade I Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly absconding with his friend’s motorcycle.
The defendant is charged with criminal breach of trust and theft.
The Prosecution Counsel, Ms Helen Ochai, told the court that on Sept. 5, at about 6:30pm the complainant Ighatu Santus of Pape Village, Abuja, reported the matter at the Life Camp police station.
Ochai alleged that on Aug.5, the complainant met with the defendant at Daki Biyu, Abuja, where the defendant introduced himself as a fire service officer and thereafter they became good friends.
She told the court that, the complaint entrusted his motorcycle worth N320, 000.
According to the prosecution counsel, during police investigation, the defendant confessed to the crime, saying he gave the motorcycle to Mr Kasila in Area III, who’s address cannot be traced by the defendant.
She told the court that the offence contravenes the provisions of sections 312 and 287 of the Penal Code.
The defendant however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
His defence counsel, Ms Charity Nwosu made a bail application for her client in the most liberal terms.
The counsel who made her application citing sections 36 of the 1999 constitution and sections 158 of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015, promised that the defendant will not jump bail if granted same.
The prosecution counsel, however, did not object to the bail application made by the defense counsel.
The Judge, Mohammed Wakili, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N300, 000 with a surety in like sum.
Wakili ordered that the defendant must provide a reliable surety, who must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.
He added that the surety must provide a BVN print out, two recent passport photographs and a valid identification card, which must be verified by the court registrar.
The Judge further adjourned the case until Nov.3, for hearing. (NAN)
