Vigilante accused of raping lady

An Abuja Magistrate Court Friday ordered a 26-year-old vigilante man to be remanded in prison custody pending the conclusion of investigations into an alleged rape case preferred against him.

Ishaka Mustapha of Shama Hotel Karu, Abuja was charged with rape, an offence that contravenes Section 283 of the Penal Code.

Police Prosecutor, Jeremiah Tangshak, informed the court that on May 26, a young lady (name withheld) reported at Nyanya Police Station that while she was going to work at Nyanya on May 25, the accused arrested her within Nyanya market and forcefully had sexual intercourse with her after threatening her with a gun.

When the charges were read to  the accused, he pleaded not guilty, while the prosecutor asked for a hearing date.

Chief Magistrate Ahmed Shuaibu ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the case to July 11, for hearing.

In a follow-up case, a 37-year- old man, Umar Shuaibu, was arraigned for alleged criminal intimidation and theft, offences contrary to Sections 397 and 287 of the Penal Code.

Prosecutor Jeremiah Tangshak informed the court that the same lady also reported that the accused connived with the vigilante man and collected N2, 000 from her.

When the charges were read to him, he pleaded not guilty and requested for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecutor.

Chief Magistrate Ahmed Shuaibu granted the accused bail in the sum of N100, 000 with a surety in like sum, who must have an established business outfit and reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

The case was adjourned to July 11 for hearing.