A 40-year-old man, Abdulhamid Yunus, on Thursday appeared before an Ikeja Magistrates’ Court in Lagos, for allegedly dumping a child at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Ikeja, Police Station.

The accused who resides at Anifowose in Ikeja, Lagos State, is facing a three count-charge of child abandonment, disorderly conduct and disobedience to lawful order issued by a constituted authority.

He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Inspector Thomas Nurudeen, told the court that the accused had on July 31 at 9 p.m., brought an abandoned toddler to the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Ikeja, police station.

The prosecutor told the court that the baby that Yunus brought to the station belonged to an alleged female-suspect that had been in the police custody.

Yunus who allegedly claimed to be a relative of the female-suspect said that he had been responsible for the upkeep of the baby till then.

“The accused abandoned the toddler at the police station with the excuse that he could no longer care for the child while the mother was in the police custody.

“Yunus in a disorderly manner and without regard for the safety of the child; flung the child to the floor at the station.

“He, thus, disobeyed the police order not to abandon the child at the police station; thus causing a scene in the station’s 'charge-room' and disrupted police processes.”

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 123, 166 and 247 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Bola Osunsanmi, in her ruling granted Yunus bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety in like sum and adjourned the case to Sept. 17 for mention. (NAN)

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