Man in court for blocking bank entrance with mattress

A 37-year old man, Philemon Kwaghkondo, was arraigned before an Upper Area Court 2, Makurdi, for allegedly blocking the entrance and preventing customers from entering a bank. He was charged with wrongful restraint.

The prosecutor, Cpl. Omaye Ujata, told the court that Alhaji Garba Adamu, Managing Director, Algreb Mirco-Finance Bank, Makurdi, reported the case at `B' Division police station, Makurdi.

Ujata said that the accused used a mattress to block the entrance of the bank, thus making it inaccessible to members of staff and customers.

He said that during investigation, the accused admitted to committing the offence.

Ujata said that investigation into the matter has been concluded. He wants the court to name a date for hearing.

The prosecution said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 254 of the Penal Code.

If convicted, the accused is liable to one month in prison or with a fine which may extend N60 or with both.

After the charges were read to the accused, the accused pleaded not guilty.

The magistrate, Mr Ibrahim Mohammed, granted the accused to bail in the sum of N10,000 with one surety in like sum.

Mohammed adjourned the case until June 3, for hearing.