Two arraigned over alleged diesel, granite theft

Two persons, Philip Jonah, 37, and Oladokun Taofeek, 36, were on Wednesday arraigned before an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo, for allegedly stealing diesel and granite.

The defendants were arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.

They, however pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.

The Prosecutor, ASP Ojo Adewusi told the court that the defendants committed the offences sometime in July at Kobape/Orile Imo Town, Owode-Egba via Abeokuta.

Adewusi alleged that Jonah, an employee of the complainant, conspired to steal 147 litres of diesel valued at N250,000 and 10 tonnes of granite valued at N300,000 belonging to Hammer Stone Company.

He further alleged that the second defendant, Taofeek received and retained the diesel and granite knowing they were stolen.

Adewusi said Jonah, unaware that the CCTV cameras were functioning, was caught in the act.

“Jonah, upon his arrest, made a confessional statement that he had been committing the crimes and intended to sell the stolen items to Taofeek.

“Jonah had been doing the business with Taofeek for sometime now,” the prosecutor told the court.

Adewusi said that the offences contravened the provisions of Section 390(9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Vol.1 Laws of Ogun 2006.

The Magistrate, Mrs R.A Lawal, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N250,000 each with one surety each, who must be a registered bondsmen with the Ogun State Judiciary.

Lawal ordered that the defendants be remanded at Oba Correctional Centre pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

She adjourned the case until Aug. 18, for hearing.