The police have arraigned one Saheed Olatunji, before a Chief Magistrates’ Court, Wuse, Abuja, for allegedly stealing building materials worth N1.8 million.

The prosecuting counsel, Chinenye Okafor told the court that the complainant, Ayotomiwa Israel reported the matter at Mabushi Police Station on June 19.

Ms Okafor alleged that the defendant, a staff of Cosgrove Smart City Estate, Katampe, Abuja while on duty stole 25 bags of cement, 25 bags of ABS and six buckets of top bond.

Others include, 10 packets of concrete nails, 15 bags of tile gum, 17 buckets of screeding paint, cables, lights and paints.

She said that the stolen items amounted to N1,895,946, adding that the offence contravened the provisions of sections 289 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against him.

The defence counsel, Mohammed Abdulwasiu made a bail application for the defendant saying that the alleged offence against him was a bailable one.

Abdulwasiu urged the court to exercise its discretion judiciously, adding that a reliable surety would be provided if bail is granted.

The Magistrate, Hafsat Amiru admitted the defendant to N500,000 bail with two sureties resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

Amiru said that the sureties must produce means of identification and current utility bill.

She adjourned the matter until July 29 for hearing.

(NAN)