8 in court for stealing 1,000 chickens

Eight persons, on Tuesday, appeared before an Osogbo Magistrates’ Court in Osun State over theft of 1,000 chickens from a poultry farm.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the accused were Odebiyi Yinka (20), Ayoola Samson (20), Cecilia Ochilla (35), Elizabeth Akira (30), Oyelami Tajudeen (30), Regina Philip (40), Grace Odelia (35) and Akira Hanna (24).

The accused and others at large are facing charges bordering on stealing.

The prosecutor, Inspector Taiwo Adegoke, told the court that the accused committed the offence between the months of May, June and July at Erin-Osun, Osogbo.

Adegoke said the accused conspired with others now at large to steal 1,000 chickens owned by one Mrs Titilayo Aluko.

He added Yinka and Samson, who were co-workers at Aluko Poultry Farm, conspired to steal 1,000 chickens valued at about N1.5 million, but sold them to the six other persons at N1.2 million.

He disclosed that the offences contravened Sections 516, 390(9), 383(9) and 427 of the Criminal Code cap 34 Vol.11, Laws of Osun, 2003.

The accused, however, pleaded not guilty.

Counsel for the accused, Mrs Bose Dada, prayed the court to grant her clients bail in the most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mr Olusola Aluko, granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000, with two sureties each in like sum, adding that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, as he adjourned the case till November 25 for hearing.