Security guard arraigned for allegedly poisoning neighbour’s goats, sheep in Abuja

Security guard arraigned for allegedly poisoning neighbour’s goats, sheep in Abuja

A 40-year-old security guard, Adamu Yahaya, appeared before a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja on Friday, over allegations of poisoning his neighbour’s goats and sheep.

Yahaya, a resident of Idu Industrial Area, Abuja, was charged with mischief, criminal intimidation, and voluntarily causing hurt without provocation.

According to the prosecution counsel, Mrs. Charity Nwachukwu, the case was reported by the complainants, Kingsley Ayawa and Maywell Kanu, both of Tasha I Gwagwa, Abuja, at Karmo Police Station on May 9.

Nwachukwu informed the court that Yahaya had previously threatened to kill the livestock if they continued grazing on the pepper he cultivated on his farm.

She said the defendant carried out the threat on May 8, resulting in the death of 20 goats and three sheep, estimated at a value of N2.7 million.

The prosecution alleged that Yahaya also attacked the complainants with a cutlass when they confronted him, injuring Ayawa on the hand.

Nwachukwu told the court that during police investigation, the defendant made a confessional statement.

She noted that the offences contravened sections 330, 397, and 246 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecution requested a date for the commencement of trial.

In response, the defendant’s counsel, Mrs. Lillian Ibrahim, applied for bail, citing Section 36 (5) of the 1999 Constitution and sections 165 (1), 158, and 162 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015.

Ibrahim argued that the defendant and the complainants are neighbours, adding that bail remains at the court’s discretion. She urged the court to grant bail on liberal terms, assuring that the defendant would not jump bail, noting that he is already on police administrative bail.

Ruling on the bail application, Magistrate Musa Jobbo admitted Yahaya to bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.

Jobbo directed that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide a valid means of identification.

The court adjourned the matter until July 3 for hearing.