Two men, Abiola Mutiu and Amuta Raphael, were arraigned before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, on Friday for allegedly receiving stolen tomatoes worth N64 million.

Mr Mutiu, 44, and Mr Raphael, 55, whose addresses were not disclosed, are being charged with conspiracy and receipt of stolen goods, to which they pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Insp Sikiru Opaleye, told the court that the defendants committed the offence at about 6:00 p.m. on November 30, 2024, at Airport Road, Alakia area of Ibadan.

Mr Opaleye said Messrs Mutiu and Raphael received 8,000 cartons of Gino Tomato paste valued at N64 million from Ganiyu Saheed, Ganiyu Muyideen and Isiaka Kelani.

He further said the defendants received the goods knowing they were stolen from Africa Continental GB Foods.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened sections 427 and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Section 427 of the law prescribes 14 years’ imprisonment for anyone found guilty.

Counsel to the defendants, Funmiso Idowu and N. Ndike, prayed the court to grant their clients bail in the most liberal terms.

The chief magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendants to N2 million bail, with two sureties each in like sum.

Ms Ogunkanmi ordered that one of the sureties must own a landed property, while the other should be a blood relation to the defendants.

She adjourned the matter until June 4 for the hearing.

(NAN)