Lawyer Bags Six Months In Jail For Assault

An Abuja Senior Magistrates’ court, has sentenced a lawyer, Jeff Mbatsavdue, 42, to six months imprisonment for beating up a police constable, Alumbugu Yohanna.

The Police Prosecutor, Emmanuel Adikwu, told the court that on July 22, 2010, Mrs. Jane Ifead, came to Maitama Police Station and requested for a police officer to follow her home to invite someone to the station over a matter.

Adikwu said Yohanna was detailed by ASP Supol Dawari to accompany Ifead to her house and on getting there was assaulted by Mbatsavdue.

He said Yohanna became unconscious and was rushed to the Maitama General Hospital for treatment.

The prosecutor said the accused was charged with criminal trespass, criminal force and assault as well as attempt to deter a public servant from discharging his duty, contrary to Sections 342 and 267 of the Penal Code.

Section 342 of PC says “Whoever enters into or upon property in the possession of another with intent to commit an offence or to intimidate, insult or annoy any person … is said to commit criminal trespass.

Section 267 of PC says “Whoever assaults or uses criminal force to any person being a public servant in the execution of his duty or deter that person from discharging his duty … shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with fine or with both.