The Police on Monday arraigned a farmer, Jonathan Essien, 42, in a Dutse Grade 1 Area Court, Abuja for allegedly stealing some items and cash worth N198, 000.
Essien, a residing at Kuduru village in Bwari, near Abuja, is charged with house-breaking and theft.
He, however, pleaded not guilty.
The Prosecutor, Mrs Idowu Ojo, told the court that the matter was reported at the Bwari Police Station by one Lydia Nkwonta of behind Kuduru Police Outpost, Bwari on Nov. 30.
Ojo said that Nkwonta’s room was burgled by the defendant while she was away and that a laptop worth N120, 000 and N70, 000 were stolen.
She added that a DVD player, valued at N8, 000 was also among the stolen items.
The prosecutor noted that during police investigation, one Obed Kure of the same address came to the Bwari Police Station and testified against the defendant.
Ojo said that Kure had on the same date at about 4: 55 a.m., gone out to urinate and saw the defendant at the scene of the crime.
She disclosed that when Kure tried to approach the defendant, he took to his heels.
Ojo said that the offences contravened Sections 349 and 287 of the Penal Code.
The Presiding Officer, Mr Hassan Aliyu, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N30, 000 and a surety in like sum who must also reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
He adjourned the case until Dec.17 for hearing. (NAN)
