7 Charged in Abeokuta Over Alleged ₦28 Million Property Theft

Seven Charged in Abeokuta Over Alleged ₦28 Million Property Theft

In Abeokuta, Ogun State, two teenagers and five adults have been arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing electrical fittings and household items valued at over ₦28 million.

The accused are:

• Sunday Odeshola, 15
• Monday Ubah, 16
• David Odeshola, 45
• Kaman Rabiru, 27
• Lawal Shaibu, 25
• Nazid Abdullahi, 27
• Ibrahim Khalid, 25

The first three defendants face conspiracy, stealing, and malicious damage charges. The remaining four are charged with unlawfully receiving stolen goods.

Prosecutor Inspector Lawrence Olu-Balogun stated that between December 10 and 17, at Ariwo Quarters, Owode Egbe in Abeokuta, the first three defendants allegedly broke into Mr. Akinwale Azeez’s residence. They reportedly stole an Eito inverter machine worth ₦2 million, electrical wires, refrigerator compressors, and gas cooker burners, totalling ₦26 million. Additionally, they are accused of causing ₦1.7 million in damages to an electric engine, an entrance iron door, aluminium window glass, and five refrigerators.

The other four defendants are accused of unlawfully receiving the stolen items. All seven pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate Dr. B.O. Ilo granted each defendant bail of ₦2 million with one surety, who must be a registered bondsman with the Ogun State Judiciary. The case is adjourned to January 10, 2025, for hearing.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of property theft in the region, emphasising the need for vigilance and community cooperation to combat such crimes.