The police on Tuesday charged a 46-year-old man, Owolabi Sola, before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly receiving 43 bags of stolen fertiliser.

Mr Sola, whose address was not provided, is standing trial on a charge of receiving stolen items.

He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecutor, Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 13 at Oke-Ako Ekiti in Ikole Local Government.

He alleged that the defendant unlawfully received 43 bags of stolen fertiliser worth N2 million, from Owolabi Sunday, Taiwo Ayenigba and Adeyanju Daniel, property of an Agro-allied company, YSJ Nigeria Ltd.

Mr Oriyomi alleged that the offence contravenes the provisions of section 343(1) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

He urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the case file and assemble his witnesses.

Meanwhile, defence counsel, J.O. Olajide, urged the court to grant the defendant bail, promising he would not jump bail.

The Chief Magistrate, Abayomi Adeosun, consequently, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case until August 14 for hearing.

(NAN)