Two apprentices, Samson Jude (29) and Nathan Danladi (27), have been arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing property valued at N800,000 from their employer.
The accused, both residents of Karji in Kaduna, are facing charges of conspiracy and theft.
According to the prosecutor, Inspector Chidi Leo, the incident occurred on June 28 at a workshop in Barnawa. The suspects reportedly broke into the premises belonging to Mr. Shola Gbenga and made away with valuable items.
He said that the defendants stole three batteries, two jerrycans of diesel, one steering box and six tyres, all valued at N800,000.
The prosecutor further stated that the items were sold to one Timothy Musa, now at large.
He said that the complainant received a tip-off from a neighbour who informed him that his apprentices were those behind the theft.
“An informant told the complainant that two of his apprentices were sighted in his workshop stealing those items,” he said.
According to Leo, the offences contravene Sections 58 and 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 58 prescribes a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 217 prescribes seven years imprisonment for stealing.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against them.
The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted the defendants bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
Emmanuel said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must show evidence of two years tax payment to Kaduna State Government.
He, thereafter, adjourned the case till Aug. 20 for hearing.
