By Ayodele Popoola

Men of the Ondo State Amotekun Corps have arraigned five serial burglars before a Magistrate’s Court sitting in Akure, for alleged housebreaking and theft.

The defendants, Ayobami Babalola, Abdulafix Adams, Isaac Joseph, Ismailia Bashiru, and Sunday Ekundayo, are facing a nine-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing and burglary.

The prosecuting counsel, N.J. Osele, informed the court that the defendants committed the offences on different days and places in October 2024 at Onyearugbulem, Shagari Village. Akure.

According to the prosecutor, the suspects have been responsible for the incessant shops and housebreaking in the area.

Osele said the defendants on October 24, at about 7 pm, broke into the house of one Sunday Olawale and stole his belongings which included: two refrigerator compressors, a 34-inch television, set of cooking pots all valued at N1,873,000.

“The defendants on October 20, allegedly broke into the residence of one Bose Afolabi and stole items, including her grinding machine and rolling engine.

“On October 7, the defendants broke into a warehouse belonging to one Abimbola Akintomide and went away with items which included a CCTV Wi-Fi, 2 trailer Kickstarter, and trailer batteries, among others all valued at N1.5million.

“On October 23, the defendants broke into the residence of one Ojo Oladipo and stole his belongings, including a generator all valued at N8,000,000” the prosecutor stated.

The offences committed contravene Sections 516, 383, 390(9), and 413 of the Criminal Code Law of Ondo State, 2006.

The suspects pleaded not guilty to all charges.

The prosecutor requested an adjournment for more time to review the case file.

Magistrate T.I Ayodele-James granted the defendants bail in the sum of N2,000,000 each, with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned till December 10, 2024, for hearing.

The suspects were unable to meet the bail conditions, and were remanded in Olokuta Correctional Facility.