A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Kuje, Abuja, has dismissed a case of alleged conspiracy and theft involving three men due to the absence of both the complainant and the defendants.
The police had arraigned Ameer Hassan, 21, Bashiru Halidu, 27, and Abubakar Shehu, 26, all residents of Wuse Zone 1, Abuja, on charges of criminal conspiracy and theft.
However, they had pleaded not guilty during their initial court appearance.
Magistrate Abu Sa’id struck out the case, citing a lack of interest from the complainant and the failure of both parties to appear in court.
“This case is hereby dismissed, and the First Information Report (FIR) is withdrawn,” he ruled.
According to the prosecution, led by Simon Yako, the case was filed after Kamal Lawal, a resident of Wuse Zone 1, reported the matter at Wuse Zone 3 Police Station on February 10.
Lawal alleged that he had traveled to Kaduna on the same day, leaving his phones in Hassan’s care.
However, the defendants allegedly took three iPhones worth N1.5 million and fled. They were later apprehended but could not provide a satisfactory explanation regarding the missing devices.
The charges were based on Sections 97 and 287 of the Penal Code. However, with the complainant absent and no further interest in pursuing the case, the court terminated the suit.