A trader, James Nanshal, was on Tuesday arraigned in a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja, for allegedly stealing property worth N425, 000.

The police charged Nanshal, 25, of God’s own Estate Karmo, Abuja, with theft by servant.

He however pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Prosecutor, Charity Nwachukwu told the court that the complainant, Israel Bitrus of God’s own Estate Karmo, Abuja, reported the matter at the Karmo Police Station on March 1.

Mrs Nwachukwu said that on the said date the defendant dishonestly made away with the complainant’s two generators, one bicycle, one pumping machine, five gas cylinders all valued N425, 000.

She said the defendant stole the property and sold them to one Palalu Abubakar and Kabiru Bala all of Erike junction, Karmo, Abuja.

She added that during the police investigation, efforts to recover the stolen items were futile and the defendant could not give a satisfactory account of his actions.

Mrs Nwachukwu said that the offence contravened the provisions of Section 289 of the Penal Code.

The Magistrate, Musa Jobbo, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N500, 000 and two sureties in like sum.

Jobbo said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the matter until April 17, for hearing.

(NAN)