A Jos State High Court on Monday discharged and acquitted one

Adam was alleged to have committed the crime in an uncompleted building behind Bauchi Road Motor Park, in Jos North Local Government Area of  Plateau.

The accused, a resident of Bauchi Road, in Jos, was arrested on Feb. 1, 2016, at about 10.00 a.m., while allegedly raping the girl.

He was subsequently arraigned and charged with having carnal knowledge of a minor, an offence the prosecutor, Mr. O. S. Ocho, said was contrary to sections 282 and 283 of the Penal Code of Northern Nigeria.

He pleaded not guilty to the charge.

When the case came up for hearing before Justice Christine Dabup, on Monday, Ocho told the court that he was unable to bring any witness to testify against the suspect because the nominal complainant had relocated out of the jurisdiction of the court.

“The second reason is that the Investigating Police Officer has been transferred out of Plateau; he is now in Abuja,” he said.

The prosecutor pleaded with the court to strike out the case.

Ocho’s plea was promptly accepted by the defence Counsel, Mr J.J. Moroloye.

Ruling on the matter, the judge said that the case could not be continued.

“Since the prosecution is not ready to continue with the case based on the reasons adduced by him, this case has to be struck out.

“This case is hereby struck out for want of diligent prosecution; the accused is also hereby discharged and acquitted,’’ Dabup declared.