Mrs. Esther Ogunbayo of House 16, Phase II, Federal Housing Authority, Lugbe, Abuja, was accused of criminal force/ assault, causing hurt and criminal intimidation, offences contrary to Sections 265, 246 and 397 of the Penal Code.
Prosecutor Dabo Yakubu, stated in court that on March 23, a direct criminal complaint was filed by the complainant, Dr. Ayodele Fatai Ogunbayo before the Chief Magistrate Court II in Wuse Zone 6, Abuja, which was referred to the Deputy Commissioner of police, FCT Criminal Investigation Department for investigations.
He said the investigations revealed that on March 13, after the complainant (her husband) had removed his DSTV smart card from the house for use in his pharmacy shop, the accused used a stone and hit his head, adding that the accused also threatened to damage his two cars and cause more bodily injuries on him.
He said that the accused person’s incessant act of intimidation and threat made the complainant to vacate his house and pharmacy shop for some weeks.
When the charges were read to the accused, she pleaded not guilty and her counsel, Barrister P.A. Onuigbo Esq. made an oral application for her bail on liberal terms, saying that the accused and nominal complainant are husband and wife.
The prosecutor did not oppose the bail request but urged the court to compel the accused to sign a peace bond, allowing the nominal complainant access to his house.
Chief Magistrate Azubuike Okeagu granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two reliable sureties, who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The magistrate also ordered both parties to maintain peace during the period of the case and instructed the accused to allow the complainant access to his premises in order to carry out his businesses.
The case was adjourned to June 3 for hearing.
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Wife accused of smashing husband’s head with stone