The Police Command in Benue, on Thursday, arraigned one Vitalis Hon before a Makurdi Upper Area Court 2b for allegedly causing the miscarriage of one Favour Francis.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Police Prosecutor, Insp Rachael Mchiave, told the court that the case was received at State Criminal Investigations Department, Makurdi, through a transfer letter NO.AR:3100/BNS/MKD/VOL.2/640, dated March 28.
Mchiave said that the case was initially reported at the D Divisional Police Headquarters, Makurdi, on March 27, by one Francis Victor, of Kashim Ibrahim Road, Railway Quarters, Makurdi.
She said that on March 20, the complainant discovered that his 19-year-old daughter, Favour Francis, of same address, was pregnant and upon enquiry, he found out that it was one Vitalis Hon, of behind Modern Market, Makurdi, that had sexual intercourse with her.
The prosecutor also said that the complainant told the police that when her daughter became pregnant and informed the accused, he induced her with some noxious drugs and terminated the pregnancy.
Mchiave added that following the effect of the drugs, the victim was rushed to Kumase Clinic, Wadata, Makurdi, where she was operated upon to flush out the remains of the miscarriage.
She said that during police investigation, the accused was arrested for committing the crime.
According to her, the offence contravenes Section 233 of the Penal Code, Law of Benue State, 2004.
The prosecutor further said that investigation into the matter was still ongoing and requested for additional time to complete it.
The Magistrate, Mrs Dooshima Ikpambese, granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000, with one surety in like sum, who must be a civil servant on Grade Level 8 and above.
Ikpambese, thereafter, adjourned the case till April 28 for further mention.
