Seven held for stealing N0.2m wine
By Abiodun Ebun, Tomiwa Kolawole & Success Nlemchukwu
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Seven persons have been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate Court sitting at Oke-Eda, for allegedly stealing various brands of wine worth N200,000
The accused persons are, Kehinde Akinolu 25, Enas cooker, 23, Kolawole kehinde, 21, Folorunso Taiwo, 19 , Saheed Oni, 21, Adeyemo Timilehin, 20, and Eddo Aanuoluwapo, 22.
The defendants are facing eight counts bothering on conspiracy, felony, assault, stealing and unlawful possession of weed suspected to be Indian hemp.
According to the prosecution, the accused persons committed the offence on October 12, 2019 at about 10:00pm at Groovy Hotel, ljapo, in the Akure Magisterial District.
In addition to stealing various brands of wine valued at N200,000, the defendants were also alleged of assaulting one Sergeant Monday Odine, and two security men attached to the hotel, Daniel Omoogun and Ibrahim Mudi.
The prosecution added that the defendants also damaged one entrance door of Groovy hotel in an attempt to commit felony.
The offence was said to contravene section 516 of the Criminal Code Cap 37 Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State Nigeria, 2006. But they pleaded not guilty to the allegation levelled against them.
The prosecutor, Inspector Martins Olowofeso, informed the court that three of the five prosecution witnesses were in court.
He, therefore, prayed the court for an adjournment date to enable him study the case file and gather more evidence before the next date.
Messrs Jimoh Famoritiye and O.M Ajayi, who appeared for the defendants did not oppose the prosecutor’s request. They prayed the court to grant their clients bail in most liberal terms.
Famoritiye, who spoke for the defence said the defendants are still young energetic youth who can still contribute immensely to the development of the country.
He submitted that since the alleged offence is bailable under the law, taking them to custody could influence them negatively.
The Magistrate, Mrs Ruth Olumiluwa , granted the first, second, third, forth and fifth defendants bail in the sum of N500,0000 each, while the sixth and seventh defendants were admitted to bail in the sum of N200,000 each with one surety each.
She added that the sureties must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction, while they must attach an affidavit of means with two passport photographs.
The case was adjourned till October 22, 2019 for hearing or settlement.
