A 36-year-old man, Benson Clement, has been arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing $1,200 (equivalent to N1,829,000) from his friend while he slept.
Clement, a resident of Gbagyi Villa in Kaduna, is standing trial on a one-count charge of stealing.
The prosecutor, Inspector Chidi Leo, told the court that the offence was committed on July 18 at Taiwo Road, Kaduna. He explained that the nominal complainant, Nathan Michael, lodged the complaint at the State Criminal Investigation Department.
According to Leo, the defendant, who is a friend of the complainant, visited him and took advantage of his sleep to steal the money before fleeing to an undisclosed location.
“He was later traced and arrested in Abuja, where he confessed to having spent most of the money, leaving only N250,000,” the prosecutor said.
Leo noted that the offence contravenes Section 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017, which stipulates seven years imprisonment for stealing if found guilty.
Clement, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two responsible sureties in like sum. He further directed that the sureties must be gainfully employed and provide evidence of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.
The case was adjourned to August 28 for hearing.
