A 25-year-old dispatch rider, Abubakar Abdullahi, on Thursday appeared before a Chief Magistrate’s Court in Asokoro, Abuja, facing charges of alleged theft.

Mr Abdullahi, who resides at Angwan Dara, Masaka Nassarawa State, is standing trial on charges bordering on joint act and theft.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Helen Ochai, alleged that the defendant on January 5 stole 28 cell phones and two power banks valued N 3.96 million.

She also alleged that the defendant confessed to committing the offence during police investigations.

According to her, the defendant sold one of the phones each to Peace Lenre and Ibrahim Sule, respectively.

She explained that the defendant also gave four of the phones to one David Miracle of House 5, off Lanto Road, to sell the items for him.

She alleged that the matter was reported at the Central Police Station in Abuja, by the nominal complainant, Ikeh Herieta of Jumia office, Leventic building, Central Business District, Abuja.

The Chief Magistrate, Fatima Nadoma,  granted the defendant bail in the sum of N1 million with one surety in like sum.

Ms Nadoma ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and must have a valid means of identification

She adjourned the case until February 17 for trial. (NAN)