Okafor Ofiebor/Port Harcourt

A mild drama was witnessed at the at the Rivers State Judiciary complex in Port Harcourt yesterday when a suspect charged to court for allegedly raping his daughter  tried to violently end his own life in court premises.

The 38 years old man, Ibinabo Franklin, on the suicidal drama is facing charge of sexual assault and incest  before the Port Harcourt Magistrate Court.

The 38-year-old Ibinabo Franklin who had confessed in court of having carnal knowledge of his 17 years 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 for mercy.

Obviously covered with shame coming face with his victim (daughter) and family members in the courtroom in handcuffs, Ibinabo Franklin went wild, 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 squads and some young men who witnessed the court proceedings to overpower the suicidal man.

Some litigants and court officials who witnessed were bewildered by weird action of the suspect

Meanwhile, Chief Magistrate Amanze adjourned the trial of Franklin to 23rd December.

The victim of the sexual abuse who was also present in court and witnessed the suicide attempt by the embattled father was also recommended for psychological evaluation and rehabilitation.