Two men, Akomolafe Deji (32) and Salisu Nura (27), were on Wednesday arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing iron rod.

The defendants of unknown addresses are facing a three-count charge of stealing iron rod, receiving stolen iron rod and breach of peace.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge preferred against them.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Sodiq Adeniyi, told the court that the defendants committed the offences on May 3 at about 5:00 p.m at Ado-Ekiti Central Local Community Development Area market site, Okeiyinmi Area in Ado-Ekiti.

He alleged that the defendant, Akomolafe stole 33 pieces of 10mm iron rod valued at N200,000, property of Ado Central Local Community Development Area.

Mr Adeniyi also alleged that the second defendant, Salisu, received 20 pieces of 10mm iron rod valued at N130,000, from the first defendant, knowing full well that it was a stolen property.

He said that the defendants also conducted themselves in a manner likely to cause the breach of peace.

According to him, the offences contravene the provisions of Section 302, 34 and 181(1) (d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.

The prosecutor asked the court for an adjournment to enable him to study the case file and present his witnesses.

The Counsel to the defendants, Paul Ayantoyinbo, urged the court to grant the defendants bail, with a promise that they would not jump bail.

In her ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Dolamu Babalogbon, granted bail to the defendants in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each in like sum.

She adjourned the case until June 11 for hearing. 

(NAN)