A couple, Jonathan and Vivian Bako, who allegedly stole two pigs worth N480,000 belonging to their employer, were arraigned on Thursday before the Kaduna Chief Magistrates Court.

The defendants, who live in Maraba Rido, Kaduna, are being tried on two counts of conspiracy and stealing.

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

The prosecutor, Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on the penultimate Thursday.

Mr Leo said the defendants, who were employed by the complainant, Zakka Gideonto, to take care of his high-breed pigs, allegedly stole from him.

He alleged that the defendants conspired amongst themselves and stole their employer’s two pigs worth N480,000 and lied that it was stolen when they went to church.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendants confessed to committing the offences during the police investigation.

Mr Leo said the offences contravened the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017.

The defence counsel, Christian Edward, applied for bail for the defendants, pledging that they would not jump bail and would provide reliable sureties.

He said the matter could be settled out of court, given that the defendants are employees of the farm.

Mr Edward prayed the court to allow the defendants to explore settlement.

The magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted the defendants bail of N200,000 each with one surety each in like sum.

He said the sureties must show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Kaduna government.

He adjourned the case until September 22 for hearing.

(NAN)