In a recent development out of Abakaliki, Ebonyi state, a 32-year-old nursing mother, Mrs. Ann Akpa, has been placed in custody by the Chief Magistrate’s Court for allegedly assaulting Magistrate Lilian Igwesi.

Akpan Ann was formally charged by the police with the alleged incident occurring on August 28, 2023, at a residence located at 32 Hill Top Road, Abakaliki.

It is claimed that she used a stick to assault Magistrate Lilian Igwesi, prompting the legal action against her.

Mrs. Akpa is facing a two-count charge, identified as suit MAB/630c/2023, which includes not only the assault but also a separate charge related to causing a disturbance of the peace by littering the Magistrate’s residence.

According to the Police Prosecutor, ASP Chinagorom Eze, Mrs. Akpa is accused of violating sections 335 and 249(d) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 33, Volume 1, Laws of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 2009.

During the court proceedings, the defendant entered a plea of not guilty to both charges, with Eze E. Eze representing the defense interests.

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A. J. Uguru, Esq., representing the defense, requested bail for Mrs. Akpa, emphasizing the bailable nature of the alleged offenses.

However, the decision regarding bail fell under the discretion of Magistrate Lynda Ogodo. In this regard, Magistrate Ogodo reserved her ruling on bail, ordering the remand of Mrs. Akpa in the Nigeria Correctional Centre Abakaliki.

The case was adjourned, and the reserved bail ruling is scheduled for September 27, 2023.

The charges against Mrs. Akpa specifically allege that she “unlawfully assaulted” Mrs. Igwesi Lilian on August 28, 2023, at 32 Hilltop Road, Abakaliki, causing harm by striking her with a stick, an act that constitutes an offense under section 335 of the criminal code cap 33 volume 1, Ebonyi state laws, 2009.

Additionally, she is accused of behaving in a manner that could potentially disturb the peace, as indicated by her alleged act of littering inside Mrs. Igwesi Lilian’s apartment on the same date and location, which falls under Section 249(d) of the criminal code, Cap. 33, Volume 1, Laws of the Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.