The Magistrate court in Wuse Zone 2, Abuja, has discharged conditionally one Zainab Sufyan, to a probation officer to enable her undergo a 12-month psychiatric care.
Justice Chukwuemeka Nweke gave the ruling following Sufyan’s guilt plea in what the court found out to be false claim of Kidnap and assault.
On June 14, Zainab Sufyan, sent out information on an online platform called Twitter, claiming to have been kidnapped along with 16 other persons by some men in uniform.
The information prompted the Nigerian police to commence investigation and to secure freedom for Zainab and the others.
In the course of investigation, the police discovered the kidnap claim was false and that Zainab had been at a hospital in Lagos from where she sent the information.
When arraignment commenced on Wednesday, Zainab Sufyan pleaded guilty to the sole charge of misleading the public, under section 140 of the penal code.
The Police Prosecutor, James Idachaba, tendered a medical report indicating that Sufyan was suffering from a mental illness when she gave the false information.
Idachaba prayed the court to issue a non-custodial sentencing on the defendant under section 44 of the Criminal Justice Act.
He also asked the court for the defendant to be placed under the supervision of the police counseling unit for a regular review of her mental status.
Counsel for Sufyan, Chinyere Moneme did not oppose the submissions of the prosecution.
Justice Nweke therefore ordered that the defendant be released on probation to the deputy commissioner of Police, Hauwa Ibrahim for a period of 12 months.
Justice Nweke also ordered that she must sign an undertaking to be of good behavior during the period.
Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie
