Defamation: Drama in court as publisher collapses in dock

A mild drama ensued at a Wuse Zone 2 Senior Magistrates’ Court in Abuja as Tukur Mamu, a Kaduna-based publisher, collapsed in the dock after making a not guilty plea.
Mamu was arraigned for alleged defamation of character and publishing malicious materials against Senator Bala Mohammed, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge.
The Magistrate, Chukwuemeka Ubani, ordered that the accused be taken to a hospital and treated.
Ubani said: “From all indications, the accused is not fit for trial and needs to receive medical attention.
“This case cannot continue and is hereby adjourned to September 9 for further mention and pending when a fitness certificate is tendered to ascertain the health of the accused.
“The law is clear: only someone who is fit can stand trial.”
The accused was arraigned over the alleged publication of a book entitled: “FCT Administration: The Rot Within.”
Mohammed had earlier filed a suit against the publication of the book at the High Court of the FCT, Court 27.