A 50-year-old man, Suleiman Bello, was on Thursday arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court, Ibadan, Oyo State, over alleged stealing of a caterpillar worth N70 million.

The defendant, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing, to which he pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Olapeju Durodola, told the court that sometime in 2019, at the Akobo area of Ibadan, the defendant stole a caterpillar valued at N70 million, which belonged to one Adesokan Adeyemi.

Ms Durodola alleged that the defendant hired the caterpillar from its owner; after using it, he refused to return it.

According to him, the defendant went into hiding but was later found and arrested.
She said the offence contravened Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
The defendant’s counsel, S.S. Ajayi, urged the court to grant him bail on liberal terms.

The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N10 million with two sureties in like sum.

Ms Ogunkanmi ruled that one of the sureties must be a property owner within the jurisdiction of the court, with a building plan.
She thereafter adjourned the case until July 27 for hearing.
(NAN)