Uyo Magistrate Court, Thursday, granted the five accused persons bail in the sum of N500,000 each while the two minors were released to their parents.
The Akwa Ibom State Police Command had arraigned the seven persons in connection with the alleged molestation and maltreatment of Don Davis Archibong, an 11year-old-student of Deeper Life High School, Idoro, Uyo.
Their bail followed application filed by their Counsel Fidelis Igwe, on the ground that it is bailable offence.
The seven accused persons arraigned were Mrs Ndidi Solomon (suspended Principal), Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, Joseph Ikenna, and two minors, Shalom Ibukun and Ola Feyisetan.
They were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy to commit Felony to wit: indecent treatment of boys under 14 and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 556 of the criminal code, cap.38, Vol.2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.
The two minors- Shalom Ibukun and Ola Feyisetan- were charged for committing an act of gross indecency by inserting their fingers into the anus of Don Davies, thereby committing an offence punishable under section 218(1) of the Criminal code, cap.38, vol.2 Laws of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria, 2000.
Both were also charged for unlawfully and indecently assaulting Don Davies, an offence punishable under section 362(1) of the Laws of Akwa Ibom State.
Also, Joseph Nseabasi, Akpan Johnson, Egor Wilson, and Joseph Ikenna were charged for failure to prevent Shallom Ibukun and Ola Feyisetan from committing felony.
By so doing, they committed an offence punishable under section 551 of the criminal code, cap.38 vol.11 Laws of Akwa Ibom State, Nigeria, 2000.
When the case was read, all the accused persons pleaded not guilty to the four-count charge.
The case was adjourned till January 20, 2021 for accelerated hearing.
Addressing newsmen at the premises, David Okokon (Esq), Counsel to the petitioner, said he is committed to ensuring that justice is served in the matter.
However, Counsel to the accused declined to comment on the case.
