17th July, 2014
The police on Wednesday arraigned a civil servant, Alexander Omale, 34, before a Karu Senior Magistrates’ Court, Abuja, over alleged cruelty to his two-year-old daughter.
Omale, who resides in Karu, Abuja, is facing a one-count charge of cruelty to a child.
The police prosecutor, Sgt. Stephen Eimoga, told the court that the matter was reported at the Karu Police Station by Elizabeth, Omale’s wife, on 10 July.
Eimoga said that the accused allegedly took the two-year old baby to an unknown destination following a misunderstanding between him and his wife.
He said by Omale’s action, the baby was denied the mother’s love and care, adding that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 238 of the Penal Code.
If convicted, Omale faces up to five years in prison with an option of fine or both.
Omale, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Ann Akobi released the accused on bail in the sum of N100, 000, and a surety in like sum who must possess a landed property and resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
She ordered that the surety must promise that the accused would not commit similar offence, and ordered that the baby be returned to the mother while the father could see the child anytime.
Akobi adjourned the case to 18 August, for continuation of hearing.