A 36-year-old man, Kazeem Bankole, on Thursday appeared before a Badagry Chief Magistrates’ Court, for allegedly stealing 10 bags of rice valued at N870,000.

Bankole, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Inspector Edet Ekpo, told the court that the defendant committed the offence with some others still at large, on Oct. 5 at about 2.30p.m at Mosafejo in Aradagun area of Badagry.

Mr Ekpo said that the defendant stole 10 bags of rice from a shop belonging to the complainant, Michael Oyediji.

He said that the defendant was caught by guards, who handed him over to the police.

Mr Ekpo said that the offences contravened Sections 411 and 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Section 287 stipulates three years jail term for stealing, while Section 411 provides two years for conspiracy.

The Chief Magistrate, N.A Layeni, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Mr Layeni ordered that one of sureties must be a civil servant on grade level 12.

He adjourned the case until November 14 for mention.

(NAN)