By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

An Akure Magistrate’s Court has remanded a man, Lekan Akande, in custody over the alleged theft of a gas pipe valued at N1.8 million.

Akande was arraigned by the Ondo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun Corps, on a one-count charge of stealing.

According to the prosecuting officer, DS Msonter Shagba, the incident occurred on June 4, 2025, at about 5 a.m. at the Adebowale Gas Plant, Ilesha Garage, Akure.

The prosecution told the court that the accused unlawfully broke into the gas plant premises and stole a gas pipe worth N1,800,000, belonging to the Adebowale Gas Plant.

The offence contravenes Sections 383 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

When the charge was read to him, Akande pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, who said witnesses were ready, sought an adjournment to review the case file.

Defence counsel, Kehinde Osadugba, asked the court to grant the accused bail on lenient terms, assuring that he would not evade trial and would present credible sureties.

In his ruling, Magistrate Damilola Sekoni granted Akande bail in the sum of N1 million, with two sureties each of the same amount.

The magistrate said the sureties must submit affidavits of means, provide two passport photographs of themselves and the accused and prove they are gainfully employed by attaching evidence to the bail bond.

He also ordered the sureties to deposit N500,000 each as bond, payable into the High Court registry for the complainant’s benefit.

However, Akande was remanded in the custody of Amotekun Corps after he failed to meet his bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to June 30, 2025, for hearing.