By Oluwadamilola Akinduro

An Akure Chief Magistrates’ Court ,has docked two men, Omogbehin Bamidele and Bashit Aderinto, for allegedly stealing an alternator and welding wire in Okitipupa, Ondo State.

The defendants were arraigned before Magistrate Damilola Sekoni on a three-count charge of theft.

Prosecution counsel, P.O. Nwafor, informed the court that the alleged offences were committed on separate occasions.

According to her, the first incident took place on February 14, 2025, at about 5:00 a.m. on Alausa Street, Ayeka, Okitipupa, where the defendants were said to have stolen an alternator valued at N50,000, belonging to one Adeyanba Joshua.

The second offence, Nwafor stated, occurred in November 2024, at about 5:30 a.m., at the same location, where Bamidele allegedly stole welding wire worth N50,000, property of one Akinloye Blessing.

She also alleged Bashit Aderinto for receiving alternator knowing it to have been stolen.

She noted that the offences contravene Sections 383 and 390(9), and 427of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecution applied for time to study the case file and conclude investigations.

Defence counsel, Lawrence Nnadi, did not oppose the application but urged the court to grant his clients bail, assuring that they would not abscond.

Magistrate Sekoni granted bail to each defendant in the sum of N200,000, with two sureties in like sum.

The sureties were required to provide an affidavit of means and submit two passport photographs.

However, as the defendants failed to meet their bail conditions, they were remanded in Amotekun custody.

The case was adjourned till March 24, 2025 for further hearing.