An Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, on Thursday discharged a 21-year-old man, Pelumi Yusuf, charged with alleged theft after the complainant withdrew the case.

The defendant, Yusuf, was arraigned on June 23 on charges of conspiracy and theft, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate, Oluwaferanmi Raji, had adjourned the case until July 16 for hearing.

When the case was called on Thursday, Raji discharged the defendant and struck out the case following the complainant’s application for withdrawal.

She admitted the complainant’s withdrawal letter and discharged the defendant, noting that the discharge was not on merit.

Earlier, the Prosecutor, Inspector Elisha Tellang, said the defendant allegedly committed the offences on June 21 at about 8.00 a.m. at Odo-Ona, Ibadan.

Mr Tellang alleged that Yusuf and others still at large stole iron, a stabiliser, N50,000 cash and other items valued at N400,000.

He said the items belonged to the complainant, Samson Abiola.

According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

Mr Tellang said the complainant agreed to withdraw the case after the defendant paid part of the money involved.

“The defendant and the complainant are neighbours, so he decided to let go of the case for peace to reign,” he said. 

(NAN)