Appearing before an Upper Customary Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, are Sunday Joseph and Timothy Danjuma, accused of hindering police officers in the line of duty.
The two defendants are facing charges on various counts, including criminal conspiracy, possession of illegal substances, involvement in a group of bandits, and participating in an unlawful gathering.
Additional allegations consist of illegal possession of weapons, causing physical harm, impeding public servants in their duties, and engaging in robbery activities.
The Police Prosecutor, Inspector Esther Bishen, informed the court that the defendants, along with others who are at large, committed these offenses on April 23 in Kafanchan.
According to Bishen, a police patrol team noticed a group of ten individuals suspected of criminal activities in the Kafanchan township.
Upon seeing the police, the rest of the group dispersed, leaving Joseph and Danjuma to be apprehended.
Bishen mentioned that the defendants allegedly assaulted two police officers by head-butting and striking them with a stick, in addition to trying to take away their firearms.
It was also reported that law enforcement discovered four wraps of dried leaves believed to be Indian hemp in their possession.
These actions, as per Bishen, violate various sections of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law, including sections 58, 291, 64, 393, 215, 113, and 281.
Upon hearing the charges, both defendants pleaded not guilty.
The prosecutor then requested an adjournment to allow the police to present witnesses supporting their case.
Regarding the bail application, the presiding judge, Mr. George Gwani, granted bail at N150,000 each along with one surety of the same amount for both individuals.
The next hearing for this case is scheduled for May 29.