A Chief Magistrate Court in Ado Ekiti has granted bail to three persons, Timothy Damiloa (33), Kolade Kayode (52) and Omotoso Mercy (24) who were arraigned on 14/06/24 before Magistrate A.O. Owoleso, for offences bordering on conspiracy, shop breaking, stealing and receiving stolen properties.
The charge reads that, the defendants on 31st day of May, 2024 about 8:40 a.m. at Staleg Mall, Ado Ekiti within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did conspire to break into a shop belonging to Alabi Olanrewaju and stole flour, sugar and other valuables worth of N20.4M, while Omotoso Mercy on the same date, time and aforementioned place did unlawfully receiving stolen properties from Timothy Damilola and Kolade Kayode.
The offences are punishable under Sections 421, 324, 302 and 343 (2) (a) and (b) of the Criminal law of Ekiti State, 2021.
The charges were read, interpreted and explained to the defendants but they pleaded not guilty.
Police prosecutor, Inspector Akinwale Oriyomi informed the court his intention to call seven witnesses, he urged the court to give them a date for him to study the file and assemble his witnesses.
Counsels to the defendants said, they did not object to the prosecution’s demand but urged the court to grant bail to their clients in a very liberal term as they have substantial sureties and will as well ensure they stand their trials accordingly.
Oriyomi objected to the bail application of the defendants, owing to the nature of the case and amount of money involved.
In his ruling, Magistrate A.O. Owoleso admitted the defendants to bail in the sum os N1M each with two sureties in the like sum, one of the sureties must be a level 12 officer in the public service who must swear to affidavit of means or have landed property within the jurisdiction of this court.
The case has been adjourned till 6th of August, 2024 for hearing.