Man, Friend Docked For Stealing Car Batteries In Edo

Police in Edo on Thursday arraigned two friends Suleman Uba, 21, and Usman Ali, 22, before an Ogbeson Chief Magistrates’ Court in Benin, for alleged theft of three Motor batteries.

The police prosecutor, Sgt. Kehinde Iyawe said that the defendants were being tried on a two-count charge bothering on stealing and receiving stolen property.

Iyawe said that the defendants committed the offence on July 9, at Eyean, Kaka Junction, Benin.

He said that Uba stole the three motor batteries valued at N120,000, belonging to Mohammed Garba.

‘After Uba had stolen the batteries, he gave the money, N80,000 to Ali, knowing fully well that it was stolen property. The offences contravened Sections 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the defunct Bendel State, 1976, now applicable in Edo. And if found guilty of stealing, the defendant risks a seven-year jail term.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against them.

The Chief Magistrate, Prince Mutairu Oare, admitted the defendants to a N100, 000 bail with one surety in like sum.

He said that the surety must be responsible and depose to an affidavit of means.

Oare also said that the sureties must deposit two recent passport photographs of themselves and that of the defendants with the court.

He added that information about the sureties’ residences should be verified by the court registrar.

The chief magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the case until Aug. 5 for further hearing.