Two individuals, identified as Sunday Joseph and Timothy Danjuma, appeared before an Upper Customary Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, on Monday, accused of obstructing police officers on duty and facing multiple charges.
The defendants are facing eight counts, including criminal conspiracy, possession of illicit drugs, belonging to a gang of brigands, unlawful assembly, unlawful possession of weapons, causing bodily harm, obstructing public servants in the discharge of function, and robbery.
According to Police Prosecutor Insp Esther Bishen, the defendants and others at large committed the offences on April 23 in Kafanchan. She stated that a police patrol team encountered a group of 10 individuals suspected of criminal activities in the township.
Upon sighting the policemen, most members of the group fled, while Joseph and Danjuma were apprehended. Bishen alleged that the defendants assaulted two police officers, attempting to snatch their rifles, and were found in possession of four wraps of dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp.
The charges against the defendants contravene various sections of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law.
Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor requested an adjournment to allow the police to call witnesses to prove their case.
Presiding judge Mr. George Gwani granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N150,000 each, with one surety in like sum. The case was adjourned until May 29 for further mention.