by Isi Esene

Two men, Habu Idi and Muazu Ibrahim have been remanded in prison custody in Jalingo for allegedly gang-raping a 13-year-old girl in Zing, Zing Local Government Area, Taraba State.

Because the victim is a minor, her identity has not been disclosed.

One of the accused, Idi, was, however, not in court for the proceedings. The presiding judge, Justice Yahya Bashir, immediately ordered the state Counsel, Mr. Habu Audu to liaise with relevant authorities to track down the absconded accused person and make sure he appears in court for the next hearing.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Audu had earlier told the court that the accused persons committed gang-rape, criminal force, and assault which according to him were punishable under section 283 and 265(A) of the Penal Code.

The case has been to October 16, 2012.