A 23-year-old scavenger, Kabiru Danjuma, on Thursday appeared before a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for allegedly stealing solar panels valued at N80,000.

Danjuma, of Gidan Bola Sahara Estate, Abuja, is facing a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Prosecutor, Charity Nwachukwu, told the court that the complainant, Abeng David, reported the matter at the Life Camp Police Station on April 27.

She alleged that on the same date, the defendant was found in possession of solar panels valued at N80,000, belonging to the complainant.

According to her, upon his arrest with four solar panels, it was discovered that the items were missing from the estate.

Ms Nwachukwu told the court that during police investigation, the defendant confessed to the offences, but efforts to recover the stolen items proved abortive.

She said the offences contravened Sections 348 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The Chief Magistrate, Musa Jobbo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like sum.

Mr Jobbo adjourned the case until June 25 for hearing. 

(NAN)