Court re-issues bench warrant on Senator

A Kaduna Chief Magistrate's Court on Thursday re-issued a bench warrant for the arrest of Senator Nuhu Aliyu for refusing to honour its previous summons.

Aliyu is facing a three counts of criminal trespass, mischief and criminal intimidation in a suit filed against him by one Ikechukwu Akansi, his neighbour.

Chief Magistrate Bashir Shittu said Aliyu had failed to appear before him since the commencement of the case on January 23.

He said the court had adjourned four previous sittings since the first warrant was issued on February 4 to ensure the appearance of the senator.

He, therefore, adjourned the case till May 19 for further hearing.

He re-ordered Aliyu's arrest after counsel for the complainant, Mr Vitus Ewuzie, prayed the court for another arrest warrant to compel the senator to appear before it.

Counsel to the Aliyu, objected to the request, saying that 'the senator is still experiencing ill health''.

The complainant had accused Aliyu of unlawfully and illegally trespassing on his plot located at No. B1, Constitution Road, Kaduna, when the case was first mentioned.

Counsel for the complainant told the court that Aliyu had threatened to deal with his client and his friend, Mr Ade Nathaniel, when they confronted him on the matter.

Ewuzie said the complainant and his family were living in fear since the threat was made.

He said the offences contravened Sections 342, 326 and 396 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State. NAN