Two arraigned for stealing stone-breaking machines worth N12 million

Kola Peters and Lasisi Mustapha were arraigned on Thursday before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan for allegedly stealing stone-breaking machines valued N12 million.

The accused, Peters, 53, and Mustapha, 40, face charges of conspiracy, theft, and receiving stolen goods. According to the prosecutor, Cpl. Akeem Akinloye, the alleged theft occurred around 2:00 p.m. on January 18, 2013.

Akinloye detailed that Peters is accused of stealing the machines from his employer, ENL Construction Company in Idi-Ayunre, Ibadan.

Mustapha is alleged to have knowingly received the stolen machines from Peters.

The charges are based on Sections 383, 390(9), and 427 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State, 2000, which stipulate a seven-year prison term for those convicted of theft and receiving stolen property. Both defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted bail to each defendant in the amount of N5 million, requiring two sureties per person. One surety must own property with a Certificate of Occupancy, and the second must be a blood relative. The case has been adjourned to December 5 for further hearing.