A painter, Obinnah Mikel, has been arraigned before a Grade I Area Court, Karu, Abuja, for allegedly stealing building materials worth N425,000.
The News Agency of Nigeria reported that the police charged Mikel, 35, who lives in Jabi, Abuja, with theft.
The prosecution counsel, Mr Ade Adeyanju, told the court that the matter was reported at the Maitama Police Station by Bakare Demilade of Agades Crescent, Wuse 2, Abuja.
Adeyanju told the court that the defendant on January 24 went to Demilade’s building site at Wuse II, Abuja, and stole a cutting machine worth N65,000, and a drilling machine worth N50,000.
He said he also stole two mobile phones worth N50,000 and pop materials worth N260,000, all totalling N425,000.
The offence, he said, contravened Section 287 of the Penal Code.
The prosecutor said during police investigation, the defendant could not give a satisfactory account of his action.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The judge, Mr Umar Mayana, granted the defendant bail and ordered that the counsel appear at the next adjournment to formalise the bail.
He adjourned the case until March 6 for mention.
