A Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse, Abuja, on Thursday arraigned a 29-year-old printer, Francis Ekonesie, for allegedly assaulting a customer, Charles Aigbomian, during a dispute over a printing job.
The police charged Ekonesie with criminal breach of trust, cheating, joint act, and causing hurt.
Prosecuting counsel, Simpa Ibrahim, told the court that the complainant reported the matter at Garki Police Station on August 22.
He alleged that Aigbomian had contracted Ekonesie for a printing job on August 18, which the defendant failed to deliver.
When the complainant demanded a refund of ₦10,000, the defendant, along with his elder sister and brother who are currently at large, allegedly assaulted him.
Ibrahim further stated that during the attack, the complainant lost his mobile phone valued at ₦146,000 and later spent ₦40,000 on medical treatment.
The offences, according to the prosecution, contravene sections 312, 322, 79 and 247 of the Penal Code.
Ekonesie pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Ekpeyong Inyang granted him bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with one surety residing within the court’s jurisdiction.
The magistrate also directed that both the defendant and the surety must undertake not to interfere with police investigations, while the court registrar will verify the surety’s address.
The matter was adjourned until October 5 for trial.