Senator Elisha Abbo, who is facing charges for assault on a nursing mother, was on Thursday absent in court, stalling the continuation of his trial in a Zuba Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja.
Police charged Abbo, who represents Adamawa North Senatorial District, on July 8 for criminal force and assault which is contrary to section 263 and 264 of penal code law.
At the resumed hearing, the prosecutor, James Idachaba, and the defendant, (Abbo) were not in court.
However, Philip Tumba from the legal department of the FCT Police Command told the court that the prosecution counsel was attending a meeting with the Inspector-General of Police.
Mr Tumba also said there was a letter of adjournment from the police, which was filed at the court registry on Wednesday but not served on the defence.
Similarly, the defence counsel, Isaac Adeniyi, apologised for the absence of the defendant, adding that “he had health challenges.”
Adeniyi, who did not object to the prosecution’s request for adjournment, said the dates suggested by the prosecution were not convenient for him.
Magistrate Abdullahi Illelah adjourned the case until February 6 for continuation of trial.
Abbo appeared in a viral video in July 2019 assaulting a nursing mother who tried to defend an attendant, Bibra Warmate, at Pleasure Chest Shop, FA45, Banex Plaza, a sex toy shop in Abuja.
The prosecution says the lawmaker slapped the complainant severally on her face and forcefully dragged her shirt without provocation.
