62-year-old man in court for stealing farmer’s phone, terrorising family

The man also stole ₦50,000 from the farmer’s brother.

The Police on Friday arraigned a 62-year-old man, Samson Okeleye, before an Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan over the alleged theft of a Tecno phone worth ₦23,000 and illegal possession of a gun.

Okeleye, whose address was not provided, was charged with conspiracy, theft and being armed with a gun. He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges brought against him.

The Prosecutor, Insp. Oladejo Balogun told the court that the defendant and others at large conspired to commit the offences on August 21 at about 2 pm. He said the offences were committed at Lagaye village, at Eruwa in Oyo State.

“The defendant stole one Tecno phone valued at ₦23,000 and a wood-cutting machine from one Muritala Hamzat, a farmer.

“He also stole cash of ₦50,000 from the complainant’s brother, Rilwan Hamzat, and terrorised Hamzat and the family while armed with a gun and cutlasses,” Balogun said.

He said the offences contravened Sections 517, 390(9) and 80 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

The Magistrate, Olasinmibo Sanusi-Zubair, granted the defendant bail for ₦200,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum. She, thereafter, adjourned the case until November 11 for a hearing.