By Idowu Adebomi, Ado Ekiti
Three men have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, over the alleged theft of 500 chickens valued at ₦9 million.
The defendants — Moses Uker, 35; Monday Gambo, 32; and Daniel Zakariya, 23 — were brought before the court by the Ekiti State Police Command on a charge of felony, to wit, stealing.
Prosecuting counsel, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants allegedly committed the offence on November 19 in Ado-Ekiti. He said the accused unlawfully stole 500 chickens belonging to one Falade Solomon.
According to the prosecutor, the alleged offence contravenes Sections 421 and 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021, which prescribes punishment for stealing.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Counsel to the accused, Barrister Adunni Olanipekun, urged the court to grant her clients bail, assuring the court that they would not abscond and would be available for trial.
In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Abayomi Adeosun, granted the defendants bail in the sum of ₦100,000 each, with two sureties in like sum. The magistrate ordered that one of the sureties for each defendant must be a chairman of a community association.
The case was adjourned until January 30, 2026, for hearing.