Four individuals have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti, Ekiti State, for allegedly stealing property worth N1.98 million and causing damage valued at N1.5 million.
According to The PUNCH, the suspects, Umar Lawal (18), Useni Usman (25), Abbar Senkikami (25), and Nuru Useni (25), appeared in court on charges of burglary, theft, and property damage.
The offences were allegedly committed at the residence of Pastor Obebe Michael on Irona Street, Ado Ekiti, during the early hours of September 5 and 7.
According to Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, the police prosecutor, the defendants were accused of breaking into Pastor Michael’s home and stealing several items, including an electrical wire, a distribution board worth N500,000, a mattress valued at N80,000, a gas cooker with cylinder worth N450,000, a Hiace fridge valued at N900,000, and an iron bar worth N50,000. The total value of the stolen items amounts to N1.98 million.
Additionally, Inspector Oriyomi stated, “The suspects are also charged with maliciously damaging the roof ceiling, glass, net, and a distribution box, all valued at N1.5 million.”
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Their counsel, Opeyemi Esan, appealed to the court for bail, assuring that the accused would not flee and would provide reliable sureties.
Chief Magistrate Adebayo Adeosun granted bail to the four defendants, setting the sum at N200,000 each, along with one surety apiece. The case was adjourned until October 15 for a further hearing.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, violate sections 421, 322, 302, 354, and 345 of the Ekiti State Laws of Nigeria, 2021.
