By Olaitan Ibrahim
A 74-year-old man identified as Ubula Samuel, was on Friday arraigned before a Karu Chief Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Abuja, for allegedly causing accident through dangerous driving, thereby causing damage amounting to N1.6 million.
The defendant, who resides at Ado in Karu, Nasarawa State, was charged with mischief, causing accident by dangerous driving and causing hurt by dangerous means.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the offences.
The Prosecution Counsel, Ayotunde Adeyanju, told court that the victim (complainant), Jamila Umar of Abacha Road, Mararaba, reported the matter at Karu police station on Oct. 10, 2024.
“The complainant alleged that on same date, while she was driving her Toyota car, with registration number: MNA499AA, along Kugbo Furniture, Abuja, it developed mechanical faults.
“According to her, she decided to park on a clear place along the same road and put on trafficators for proper awareness.
“In the process, the defendant, who was driving Toyota Highlander, rammed into the complainant’s car as a result of dangerous driving and damaged the said car with estimated bill of N1.2m for repairs.
“As a result of the accident also, the complainant sustained serious injuries, with hospital bills and damaged goods worth N400,000, all amounting to N1.6 million,” Adeyanju said.
The offences, according to him, contravene Sections 327 and 250 of the Penal Code.
The Chief Magistrate, Ahmed Ndajiwo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with one surety.
Ndajiwo added that the surety must be a federal civil servant or a registered business owner and must deposit N300,000 in the FCT High Court account.
He adjourned the case till Jan. 30 for hearing.