A 25-year-old man, Gideon Abelo, who allegedly stole four pigs worth N380,000, appeared before a magistrates’ court on Wednesday.

Mr Abelo was arraigned on a two-count charge of criminal conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant and two others at large committed the offences on April 19 at Maraba Rido, Kaduna.

Mr Leo said the stolen pigs belonged to the complainant, Charity Abel.

“The defendant and his accomplices saw the pigs roaming on the street; they gave the pigs some food which made them sleep and then stole them, thinking no one would notice.

“They were about driving away with the pigs in a car when a passerby saw them and raised an alarm.

“The defendant was apprehended while the two others ran away,” the prosecutor said.

The offence contravened sections 58 and 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. Section 58 stipulates a two-year jail term for conspiracy if found guilty, while Section 217 stipulates a five-year jail term if found guilty.

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

The magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, admitted the defendant to bail of N200,000 and one surety in like sum.

He said the surety must be a blood relation to the defendant and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.

He adjourned the case until May 12 for hearing.

(NAN)