A 36-year -old man, Joseph Babalola on Tuesday appeared before a Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, Abeokuta, Ogun State, for allegedly burgling a shop and stealing valuables worth N323,000.

The defendant whose address was not provided is facing a two-count charge of break-in and stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Opeyemi Lawal, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on June 23 at about 11:00pm at No 17, Dr. Akinsanya Gafaru street Araromi Ilugun Itoko in Abeokuta.

Mr Lawal told the court that the defendant burgled and entered into a laundry shop and stole clothing items such as jeans, shirts and ”polo,” valued at N323,000 and belonging to the complainant, Ayomide Odunewu.

He alleged that Babalola was once a security guard at the community where he burgled the shop, but was disengaged for habitual stealing.

He also alleged that after the defendant was disengaged as a security guard, he returned to the community to burgle the laundry shop and fled.

“The community members, upon investigation, found out Babalola was responsible for the shop break-in and theft. The defendant was arrested and he made a confessional statement that he has been the one committing the previous crimes in the community,” he said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened section 390 (9) 412 of the Criminal Code Law of Ogun 2006.

The Magistrate, O.T Odubanjo, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety  in like sum.

Ms Odubanjo ordered that the surety must be a licensed bondsman registered with the Ogun State Judiciary.

She adjourned the case until July 20 for hearing.

(NAN)