Two labourers, Lot Bintim and John Selpha, were on Tuesday arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse, Abuja, over the alleged theft of iron rods and Aero pipes valued at ₦11.17 million.
The defendants were charged with theft and joint act but pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Sunday Uloko, told the court that the complainant, Chima Micheal, reported the matter at Utako Police Station on Oct. 3.
Uloko alleged that the defendants, who worked at a construction site behind Good Tidings Church in Utako, Abuja, stole 11 pieces of Aero pipes and 7.65 tonnes of iron rods of different sizes, including 16mm, 12mm, 10mm and 8mm, valued at ₦11,169,000.
He said the offences contravened Sections 79 and 287 of the Penal Code.
The Magistrate, Ngozi Okonkwo, granted the defendants bail of ₦1 million each, with one surety apiece.
She ordered that each surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide a valid means of identification and depose to an affidavit of means of livelihood.
The court adjourned the matter until Oct. 15 for hearing.
