A 63-year-old businessman, Samuel Mbish, on Wednesday appeared before an Upper Area Court Judge n Kasuwan Nama, Jos, over alleged rape of a 12-year-old girl.
Mbish, a resident of Bungus, in Mangu Local Government in Plateau, is facing a two-count charge of rape and intimidation of a minor.
According to Police Prosecutor Ibrahim Gokwat, one Ayuba Auta of Exceller Church, Bungus, in Mangu, reported the case at Mangu Police Station on June 27.
Gokwat alleged that the accused lured the little girl into the bush and forcefully had carnal knowledge of her.
He further alleged that the accused, after raping the girl, gave her N500 and threatened to kill her if she told anyone about it.
The offenses contravene Section 282 and 396 of the Penal Code, Gokwat further told the court.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
In his ruling, the Judge, Mr Lawal Suleiman, granted the accused bail in the sum of N500,000 with a surety in like sum.
Suleiman said that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and should submit a copy of his driver’s license or permanent voter’s card to the court.
The case was adjourned to December 3 for mention.
