A Magistrates’ Court in Kubwa, FCT, on Wednesday issued a bench warrant authorising the arrest of a couple, Oninloka Lawal and Taiwo, for failing to appear for trial.

The Magistrate, Ms Nneka Lesley, issued the warrant following an oral application made by the prosecution counsel, Mr John Okpa, who noted that the defendants were absent from defending the charge against them.

Lesley also ordered that the sureties be served with notices to show cause why the bail bond should not be forfeited.

She adjourned the case until March 17 for hearing.

The police charged the defendants with criminal force, intimidation and causing hurt, to which they pleaded not guilty.

Earlier, Okpa told the court that the complainant, Elizabeth Anawo of Byazhin, Kubwa, had reported the matter at the Divisional Police Headquarters on April 17, 2024.

He alleged that the first defendant dragged the complainant’s hair, while her husband joined and kicked the complainant.

“As a result of what the defendants did, the complainant fell down and sustained injuries.

“The defendants also threatened to deal with the complainant,” he said.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of Section 265 of the Penal Code.