Man accused in stabbing case posts bail

A 28-year-old labourer from Nigeria was released on bail, after fighting and grievously injuring a fellow countryman on Sunday morning.

Birzebbugia resident John Chibuzor Bolenus appeared in the dock before magistrate Audrey Demicoli this morning, accused of grievously injuring the victim. News reports suggest that the other man, who lives in St. Paul’s Bay, was stabbed.

Inspector Charlotte Curmi also accused Bolenus of attacking the other man using a sharp and pointed object, breaching the peace and reacting to insults or provocation in a disproportionate manner.

Lawyer Helga Buttigieg Debono entered a plea of not guilty and asked for bail.

The prosecution did not object.

Magistrate Audrey Demicoli granted the man bail under a number of conditions, which include signing a bail book every day, observing a curfew during the night time, as well as depositing €500 and providing a personal guarantee of €3000.

He was also ordered to stay away from the St. Paul’s Bay area.  A protection order valid for the duration of the proceedings was issued for the victim.