Night guard lands in court for stealing Italian shoes, others

By Abimbola Abatta, Osogbo

A 36-year-old night guard, Abubarkar Sheriff, has been arraigned before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court over alleged theft of shoes, watches, plasma televisions and other goods  valued at N3 million.

The accused person who is facing a three-count charge bordering on break-in, intent to commit felony and stealing allegedly committed the offences on July 23, around 01:05 a.m. at Jaiyeola Shopping Complex, AP Junction in Ile-Ife.

The Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Osanyintuyi, told the court that the accused person allegedly broke into the shop of one Ajueyisi Oluwatimilehin to commit felony therein.

He said that the accused person stole 34 pairs of Italian shoes, 144 pieces of watches, one 43-inch plasma television set, and two watch stands, all valued N3 million, properties of one Ajueyisi Oluwatimilehin.

The offence committed contravened Sections 383, 390(9), 411 and 412 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

The night guard, however, pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge leveled against him.

The defence counsel, Mr M.I. Babatunde, prayed the court to grant his client bail in most liberal terms.

He pledged that his client would not jump bail and would provide reliable sureties.

Magistrate Adedotun Ayeni granted bail to the accused person in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.

Ayeni stated that the sureties must swear to affidavit of means, and be  residing within the court’s jurisdiction.

He added that the sureties must be gainfully employed and that the prosecutor must verify the genuiness of their addresses. He said each of the sureties must present three recent passport photographs.

The case was adjourned till August 12 for mention.