Occupiers of empty house in Abuja charged with trespass

The Police on Wednesday arraigned three men in a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly occupying an empty house in Garki, Abuja, without the knowledge of the owner.
The suspects,Yinusa Dada, Abubakar Umar and Usman Garba, were charged with criminal trespass contrary to Section 348 of the Penal Code.
They pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Senior Magistrate, Mr Temino Zimzu granted the bail in the sum of N30, 000 each with one reliable surety that must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The court adjourned the case till Feb. 22 for hearing.
Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Umar Ango told the court that Mr. Emeka Aroh, the owner of the building located at No. 10, Ogun Street, Garki, Abuja, reported the matter on Jan. 5 at the Garki Police Station.
According to Ango, the accused persons criminally formed a common intention and were living in the complainant’s house without his knowledge.
He added that when the accused persons were interrogated, they could not give proper account of their presence in the house.