2 security guards docked for allegedly stealing iron rods

Two Security guards, Joseph Vincent and Yahaya Bello were on Thursday docked in Kado Grade I Area Court, Abuja, for allegedly stealing iron rods.

The police charged Vincent, 37, and Bello, 50, both of Airport road, Abuja, with criminal conspiracy and theft by servant.

The Prosecution Counsel, Ms Helen Ochai, told the court that on Sept.5, at about 9:30 p.m, the complainant Mr Aliyu Sani of New Dawn Estate, Airport road, Abuja, reported the matter at Life Camp Police Station.

Ochai, alleged that the defendants who were posted to guard a building site at New Dawn Estate, Airport road, conspired and stole iron rods.

She alleged that the complainant caught the defendants with the stolen rods and were apprehended when they attempted to escape with the items.

Ochai told the court that during police investigation the defendants admitted to the offence, adding that the offence contravened the provision of sections 79 and 288 of the penal code law.

The defendants however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Charity Nwosu, counsel to the defendants prayed the court to grant his clients bail, citing Section 36(5) of the 1999 constitution as amended and 158 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015.

Nwosu told the court that the accused were still presumed innocent until proven guilty and assured the court that the defendants would not jump bail.

The prosecution counsel, however, did not oppose the prayers of the defense counsel further urged the court to use its discretion to grant the defendants bail.

The Presiding Judge, Malam Muhammed Wakili, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum N500, 000 with one surety each in like sum.

Wakili, ordered that the sureties must be reliable with a means of livelihood and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court.

He added that the sureties must also provide a BVN print out, recent passport photograph and a valid identification card, which must be verified by the court registrar.

The Judge adjourned the matter until Jan.10 for hearing.