TheCable

Prosecutors of Yunusa Dahiru, the alleged abductor of Ese Oruru, a teenage girl from Bayelsa state, on Monday appealed to a federal high court in Yenagoa, capital of the state, to take the victim’s evidence behind closed doors.

Last week, Dahiru was arraigned on a five-count charge of abduction, kidnapping, unlawful carnal knowledge and sexual exploitation of the minor, which he pleaded not guilty.

Kenneth Dika prosecuting counsel, told H. A. Nganjiwa, the trial judge, that the victim was a minor and deserved the court’s protection.

But Dahiru’s counsel, Kayode Olaoshebikan, opposed the oral application, and urged the court to rule on his application for bail filed since March 8.

Dika also opposed the defence counsel application for bail, arguing that the defendant, who was not resident within the court’s jurisdiction, would likely jump bail.

The judge adjourned the case till March 21 to enable counsel to provide the authorities for their argument and remanded the defendant in prison custody.1

Dahiru has been in police custody since he was arrested in Kano.