A middle-aged man alleged to be a member of a gang of thieves in Dutsin-ma town, Katsina State, is currently standing trial before a Katsina Chief Magistrates’ Court for his alleged attempt to commit suicide while in police detention.
The offence is contrary to Section 231 of the Penal Code.
Abubakar Mustapha is also facing charges bordering on alleged disturbance of public peace under Section 113 of the Penal Code; mischief, under Section 327 of the Penal Code and belonging to unlawful society under Section 97B of the Penal Code.
A legal advice on the charges from the state Ministry of Justice with Number: MOJ/KT/LTT/VOL.9/777, read in the court on Monday, said the accused should be tried by the magistrates’ court.
Mustapha, who is currently on bail, was absent in the court on Tuesday while the Magistrate, Hajiya Fadila Dikko, adjourned the case to October 3 for mention.
The Police First Information Report revealed that a patrol team at Dutsin-ma led by Mohammed Musa, arrested Mustapha at the local government area secretariat while attempting to “trespass” into the chairman’s office.
Mustapha was also alleged to cause damage to the chairman’s official vehicle.
The police alleged that Mustapha attempted to commit suicide after his detention at the police station.
The FIR added, ”The said suspect was detained in police custody at Dutsin-ma.
“He used sharp nail to try to kill himself, contrary to Section 306 and 231 of the penal code law.”