A 44-year-old man, Oluchukwu John, on Friday, appeared before the Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court 6 in Ebonyi over alleged stealing and threatening the life of one David Okorie-Ugbana.

The defendant is standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, stealing and threat to life. He, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, ASP Lilian Aliede, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on March 30 at Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi.

MS Aliede said the defendant and others now at large threatened the life of Mr Okorie-Ugbana, a male, which caused him fear.

She said the offence is punishable under section 86 (2) of the criminal code cap—33 Vol. 1 law of Ebonyi state of Nigeria, 2009.

The prosecutor also added that the defendant damaged a fence valued at N1.4 million on the same date and place, which is the property of Everest Okorie.

“He damaged sharp sand valued at N45,000, which is Okorie Everest’s property. The offence is contrary to the laws of Ebonyi State, Nigeria, 2009.

“The defendant also did steal 50 bags of cement valued at N380,000 property of Okorie Everest,” the prosecutor submitted.

The defence counsel, Solomon Eguji, pleaded for the defendant’s bail in the most liberal terms.

Mr Eguji assured the court that his client would not jump bail but would provide reliable sureties.

He also pleaded to the court to transfer the matter to the area of jurisdiction.

The chief magistrate, Prince Ogboji, granted the defendant N500,000 bail, with one surety in like sum, including a one-year tax receipt.

“The surety must be within the jurisdiction of the court,” Mr Ogboji added.

The magistrate further granted them the transfer of the matter to the area of jurisdiction and adjourned the case till May 2 for mention.

(NAN)