Okada rider remanded over attempted rape of passenger

A commercial motorcyclist in Minna, Niger State, who allegedly robbed and attempted  to rape his passenger, has been remanded in a correctional centre. The accused, Salihu Saidu, 20, is standing trial on two-count charge of robbery and attempted rape, contrary to sections 298 and 95 of the Penal Code. He was remanded on the orders […]

A commercial motorcyclist in Minna, Niger State, who allegedly robbed and attempted  to rape his passenger, has been remanded in a correctional centre.

The accused, Salihu Saidu, 20, is standing trial on two-count charge of robbery and attempted rape, contrary to sections 298 and 95 of the Penal Code.

He was remanded on the orders of a Minna Magistrate Court on Friday after he was brought before the court.

The prosecutor, ASP Daniel Ikwoche, had told the court that one Miss Aisha Bello, a resident of Maikunkele, Minna, reported the case on Oct. 23.

Ikwoche said the complainant boarded the defendant’s  motorcycle and asked him to take her to Barkuta village.

He said that while on their way, the defendant suddenly stopped the motorcycle, pushed the complainant down and attempted to have sexual intercourse with her.

According to him, the complainant shouted for help but  the defendant dispossessed her of N20,000 and a Techno phone and escaped to an unknown destination.

Saidu, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The court could not take the defendant’s plea as the presiding judge, Mrs Aisha Bawa, said that the court lacked jurisdiction to hear the matter.

She directed the police to forward a duplicate copy of the case file to the state Director of Public Prosecutions for advice and adjourned the case to December 2 for mention. (NAN)