Ekiti man arraigned for allegedly stealing sports equipment worth N80,000

By Boye Oyeyemi A 23-year-old man, Bello Abubakar, has been arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates' Court for allegedly stealing sports equipment valued at N80,000 in Ekiti State. Abubakar, who has no fixed address, was brought before the court on two counts of stealing and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace. The prosecutor, Inspector Olubu Apata, told the court that Abubakar allegedly committed the offences on September 5 at about 10:30 a.m. around the Stadium Complex in Ado-Ekiti. Apata alleged that the defendant stole a school bag, canvas shoes, a boxing belt and sports playing pants belonging to the complainant, Adedeji Abdulsamad. The prosecutor also alleged that Abubakar behaved in a manner capable of causing a breach of the peace, contrary to Sections 302 and 181(1)(d) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021. He therefore urged the court to adjourn the case to enable him to study the case file and prepare his witnesses for trial. Abubakar, who appeared without a lawyer, pleaded not guilty to both charges. Ruling, Chief Magistrate Taiwo Ajibade granted the accused bail in the sum of N10,000, with one surety in like sum, and adjourned the case until Sept. 18 for hearing.