2 security guards in Abuja court over alleged theft of iron rods

Two Security guards, 37 year old Joseph Vincent and 50 year old Yahaya Bello on Thursday appeared in an Abuja Court, over alleged theft of iron rods.

The two defendants both residing Airport road, Abuja were charged by the police, with theft and criminal conspiracy theft by servant.

Ms Helen Ochai, who’s the Prosecution Counsel, informed the court that on September 5, around 9:30 p.m, the complainant Mr Aliyu Sani living at New Dawn Estate, Airport road, Abuja, brought the matter to the awareness of Life Camp Police Station.

Ochai, alleged that the defendants who were posted to guard a building site at New Dawn Estate, Airport road, conspired and stole iron rods.

She also made an allegation that the complainant arrested the defendants with the stolen items when they were trying to escape with the stolen goods.

Ochai informed the court that during the investigation of the police, the defendants confessed to the offence.

He also said that the offence was in contravention of the provision of sections 79 and 288 of the penal code law.

When the matter was read to the defendants they however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Charity Nwosu, who’s the defendants counsel persuaded the court to admit his clients to bail, making reference to Section 36(5) of the 1999 constitution (amended).

The counsel also made reference to sections 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Nwosu informed the court that the accused persons were to be presumed innocent until the contrary is proven and also made an assurance to the court that the defendants would not disobey the bail.

The prosecution counsel, who did not reject the persuasions of the defense counsel further implored the court to make use of its legal discretion to admit the defendants to bail.

Malam Muhammed Wakili, who presided over the matter granted the defendants the bail in the sum N500, 000 plus a surety each in like sum.

Wakili, directed that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must live within the court’s jurisdiction.

He also said that the sureties must also make provision for a BVN print out, a recently produced passport photograph and a valid means of identification, which must be subjected to the verification of the court registrar.

The Judge has adjourned the case until January 10 for hearing.