38-year-old alleged rapist attempts suicide in court

A mild drama at the Rivers State Judiciary complex in Port Harcourt Friday when a suspect charged to court for allegedly raping his daughter tried to commit suicide within the court premises.

The 38-year old man, Ibinabo Franklin, is facing a charge of sexual assault and incest before the Port Harcourt Magistrates’ Court.

The accused who confessed of having carnal knowledge of his 17-year old daughter was remanded in prison custody by Chief Magistrate F.N. Amanze.

Franklin admitted that he chained his daughter, raped her and left her bleeding, but claimed to have acted under certain strange influence and prayed the court to have mercy on him.

Obviously feeling ashamed after coming face-to-face with his victim (daughter) and family members in the courtroom in handcuffs, Franklin went wild and tried to jump out of the window, and when he was stopped, he grabbed a piece of broken ceramic tile and tried to stab himself.

It took the intervention of armed prison guards and some young men who witnessed the proceedings to overpower him.

Some litigants and court officials who witnessed the incident were shocked by the action of the accused.

The presiding magistrate Amanze later adjourned the trial to 23rd December.

The victim of the sexual abuse was also recommended for psychological evaluation and rehabilitation.