Bricklayer docked over N6.7m in Ondo

Four men, including a 31-yearold bricklayer, have been dragged before an Akure Magistrates’ court for allegedly stealing and receiving property worth N6.7 million.

The accused persons are a 31-year-old bricklayer, Bidemi Temitope; Jubril Idris, 53; Jubril Saidu, 75; and Tahiru Mustapha, 61.

According to the prosecution, Temitope and the others, who are still at large, broke into the Avenue 5, Sacoity Estate, Ondo Town, residence of the complainants, Mrs Rose Abojememe and Mrs Aderonke Akinsade, on September 16, 2018 at about 7.30pm with intent to commit felony.

Items allegedly stolen from the two complainants included a 24-inch Plasma TV, jewelleries worth N115,000, a set of earings valued at N250,000, another different types of jewelleries valued at N500,000, one big decoder valued at N162,000, two designer sunshades worth N250,000, 400 pounds sterling, one Itel phone and one Sony Ericson.

The second accused, Idris was alleged to have received three stolen sets of golden chains and earrings valued at N72,000, five designer earrings worth N231,000, jewelries valued at N234,000, nine designer wristwatches valued at N323,000, one male purse valued at N11,500, one set of wedding ring worth N227,000 and 4000 pounds sterling worth

N1,8000,000, all valued at N3,609,400.

The third accused, Saidu was said to have received one set of golden chain and hand chain valued at N241,000, while the fourth accused, Mustapha, allegedly received two long coral beads valued at N140,000 from Bidemi Temitope, knowing full well that the items were stolen.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Taiwo Oniyere, said the accused committed the offences contrary to and punishable under sections 516, 412, 427 and 390 of the Criminal Code, cap 37, Volume 1 Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria 206.

All the accused men, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In her ruling, Magistrate J. Adepoju granted Temitope bail in the sum of N500,000, while she granted the 2nd, 3rd and 4th accused bail in the sum of N250,000 each, with two responsible sureties each in like sum.