Lumumba to return to court on July 25

Presidential Advisor on Empowerment, Odinga Lumumba, will return to the Georgetown Magistrates’ Court on July 25 for the continuation of the alleged assault and provoking the peace charge brought against him by Onika Beckles, a woman he allegedly assaulted at a polling station during the 2011 General Elections.

Odinga Lumumba

The matter was first called before Magistrate Judy Latchman on June 20. It was alleged that on November 28, last, at polling station 413441B, Lot 455 Aubrey Barker Road, South Ruimveldt, Lumumba reportedly assaulted Beckles to cause her actual bodily harm. He was also charged with provoking the peace.
To the charges the defendant pleaded not guilty. He was represented by Attorney at law Neil Boston. The lawyer provided the defendant’s particulars and requested that his client be sent on his own recognizance.
The application was granted and the government official was sent away on self bail.
Beckles after appearing before Magistrate Hazel Octive Hamilton of Court Five was placed on $25 bail when the prosecution had no objections to bail. She was represented by Attorney at law Nigel Hughes.
In early January, the Director of Public Prosecutions recommended that Lumumba and Beckles be charged with separate offences that stemmed from their altercation on Elections Day, last year November.
It is alleged that Beckles prevented a political party candidate from entering the Polling Station where she presided. It is further alleged that the officer was forced to call the police to the Polling Station after Lumumba verbally abused her and shoved her against a wall.