An Ojo Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, further adjourned until May 10 for report of settlement in a case of assault against a 28-year-old man, Uchenna Esinwane, who allegedly beat up his mother.
The defendant, 28, is standing trial on a three-count charge of assault, wilful damage to property and threat of violence on his mother, one Patricia Esinwane.
He was arraigned on March 18, before Magistrate Taiwo Popoola, who has now been transferred out of the Ojo division.
He had pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The case was called on Tuesday, before a new Magistrate, Mrs D.S Odukoya.
Defence counsel, Mrs Adaobi Obiora, informed the court of an intention by the nominal complainant (the mother) to withdraw the case.
She, however, sought for a stand down of the case to approach the prosecution so as to do the needful.
The Magistrate, then asked the complainant what the true position of the case was and the complainant who was weeping in open court, said that she intended to withdraw the case.
The complianant, however, continued to weep and damn her face with handkerchief, and this prompted the court to adjourn the case to enable her “heal” properly.
While noting that such matter of mother and child ordinarily, ought not to come to court, she urged the complianant to hold back her tears.
The Magistrate said: “Take your time to heal and hold back your emotions; the court will further adjourn this matter. ”
The court, consequently, adjourned the case until May 10, for either report of settlement or for trial.
According to the charge, the defendant committed the offence on March 16, at the Imude area of Ajangbadi in Ojo, Lagos.
He was said to have unlawfully damaged the window frame and glass of his mother house valued at N200,000.
The defendant was also said to have resorted to violence by beating up his mother and dragging her on the floor.
The offence contravenes the provisions of section 56, 173 and 350 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State 2015. (NAN)