A taxi driver based in Abuja has been arraigned in a Karmo Grade I Area Court, Abuja for allegedly stripping and assaulting a female passenger.
The driver, Chinedu Ukabu, is a resident of Gwagwa Karmo village, Abuja.
Mr Ukabu, on his arraignment on Friday, pleaded not guilty to three-count charge of criminal force, assault and mischief.
Prosecutor Ijeoma Ukagha told the court that the matter was reported on April 10 at the Utako Police Station Abuja, by the complainant, Chukwu Chinaza, resident at 294 Owners Occupier, Kubwa, Abuja.
Chinaza was said to have boarded a taxi on the said day at about 3:30 pm from Wuse zone 3 to Berger roundabout.
The prosecutor said an argument sprouted between the complainant and the driver such that when they got to Berger bus stop, the driver got off his cab and forced the passenger out.
“On the process of pushing her from the car, Ukabu criminally and violently tore the complainant’s cloth, valued at N25, 000 and stripped her naked in the public,’’ Ukagha said.
The offence, according to her, contravened the provisions of Sections 327 and 265 of the Penal Code.
The judge, Inuwa Maiwada, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N25, 000 and one surety in like sum.
Maiwada ordered that the surety must be a grade level 8 officer in the civil service and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The judge also said that the surety must present letter of appointment and current utility bill, in his name, to the court registrar.
The case was adjourned till May 15 for hearing.
