The duo: Adim, a driver and Anayo, a conductor, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.
The accused persons who reside in Alimosho area of Lagos State, however, pleaded not guilty.
The magistrate, Mrs O.J. Awope, granted each of the accused a bail of N500,000, with two sureties in like sum.
Awope said that the sureties should be gainfully employed and show evidence of two years’ tax payment to the Lagos State Government (LASG).
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP. Ezekiel Ayorinde had told the court that the accused committed the offences on Feb.21 at Keffi, Nasarawa State.
Ayorinde said that the accused conspired to steal 28 bags of “peeled melon’’ valued at N2million, the property of one Mr Emmanuel Eze.
The prosecutor said that 140 bags of melon were loaded in a truck to be transported from Nasarawa State to Lagos.
“The complainant loaded the truck with 140 bags of melon to be delivered to members of the Food Stuff Association in Agege near Lagos.
“The owner of the truck introduced the complainant to the accused who are the driver and conductor of the vehicle.
“On transit, the accused persons conspired to sell 28 out of the 140 bags.
“When the goods were offloaded at Agege, it was discovered that 28 bags were missing.
“At Agege, some of the members of the association asked the accused what happened to the missing melon.
“The accused claimed that armed robbers attacked them on the road and stole 28 bags.
“The case was reported at the police station and the accused persons were arrested,’’ he said.
According to the prosecutor, the offences contravened Sections 287 and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the accused may be jailed three years if found guilty of stealing according to the Provisions of Section 287.
The case was adjourned until March 26 for the mention.
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