A 27-year-old trader, Precious Edwin, on Monday appeared before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court in Lagos over alleged unlawful possession of three bundles of aluminium copper.

Mr Edwin, who resides at No. 22, C.M.B. Estate, Megida, Ikotun Road, Lagos, faces a two-count charge bordering on conspiracy and unlawful possession.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Sunday Bassey, told the court that Mr Edwin and others still at large conspired to commit the offences on July 14 at about 6:30 a.m. at No. 14 Adeshiyan Street, Ojota, Lagos.

Mr Bassey alleged that Mr Edwin was in possession of three bundles of aluminium copper but could not satisfactorily account for them.

He said the items were reasonably suspected to have been stolen.

According to the prosecutor, Hammed Rasaki reported the matter to the police, saying that Mr Edwin was caught in possession of a cutlass and three pieces of copper.

He said the copper was suspected to have been removed from an air conditioner.

The prosecutor said Mr Rasaki suspected that Mr Edwin had burgled a residence and stolen the items.

He also alleged that while Mr Rasaki was interrogating Mr Edwin, the defendant attacked a resident and fled but was subsequently apprehended.

Mr Bassey said the case was thereafter referred for further investigation.

He said the offences contravened Sections 411 and 329(c) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Magistrate O.A. Daodu granted Mr Edwin bail in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum.

She adjourned the case until September 18 for trial.

(NAN)