Five persons were on Friday brought before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing tilapia fish valued at N9.6 million.

The defendants are Adamu Abdullahi, 35; Usman Muhammed, 24; Ayodele Peter, 25; Ochepo Istelu, 30; and Hassan Sekinat, 30.

They pleaded not guilty to a five-count charge bordering on negligence of duty, conspiracy, stealing, aiding and abetting, and assaulting police officers.

The prosecutor, Evelyn Motim, told the court that Messrs Abdullahi, Muhammed and Peter committed the offence on June 10 at about 10:30 p.m. at Abuke Sikiru Village in Abeokuta.

She said the trio were employed as security guards for Premium Aquaculture Limited but failed to perform their duties.

Ms Motim alleged that the three defendants conspired and stole tilapia valued at N9.6 million from Premium Aquaculture Limited.

She further told the court that Messrs Istelu and Sekinat, on June 11 at about 12:30 p.m. at Ibaro Village, Abeokuta, aided the commission of the offences and assaulted police officers while carrying out their lawful duties.

According to her, the offences contravene Sections 202, 516, 390, 7 and 356(2) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The magistrate, O.O. Sam-Obaleye, granted bail to the first, second, and third defendants in the sum of N2 million each, with sureties, while the fourth and fifth defendants were granted bail in the sum of N500,000 each.

She ordered that the sureties must be registered bondsmen recognised by the Ogun State Judiciary.

She, however, adjourned the case until August 20 for a hearing.

(NAN)