Uyi 23, and Ernest Nwankwo, 37, were on Wednesday, June 17, arraigned before an Ogbeson Chief Magistrates’ Court, Benin for allegedly stealing 1,680 empty crate of Heineken beer bottles.
The defendants are being tried on a four-count charge bothering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen property.
Police Prosecutor, Inspector Charity Asemota, said the offence was committed between February 12 to 15, 2020, at Okigwe, Imo state, triable at Ogbeson Magisterial District, Benin.
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According to the Prosecutor, Jeffrey was a driver, employed by Odugwu Zebeson International Ltd, Kilometers 10, Benin/Agbor road, Ikpoba-Hill Benin.
She said Jeffrey, who was in charge of Truck No XF 839 NSH stole 1, 680 empty crates of Heineken bottles loaded in the truck.
The Prosecutor said Jeffrey took the empty crates of bottles to Nwankwo.
She said Nwankwo, did unlawfully received and kept the crates in his possession.
She added that the empty crates of Heineken beer bottles valued N3.1million, property of Mr. Odogwu Zebedee who is the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) representing the Company.
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She said the offence contravened the provision of sections 516 and 390 (8)(9) and 427 of the Criminal Code laws of the defunct Bendel State of 1976, now applicable in Edo.
If found guilty of stealing, the defendant risks a seven-year jail term.
The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
The Chief Magistrate, Prince Mutairu Oare, admitted the defendants to a N200,000 with two surety in like sum.
He said that one of the sureties must be responsible public servant and depose to an affidavit of means.
Oare also said that the sureties must deposit two recent passport photographs of themselves and that of the defendant.
He added that information about the sureties’ residence and place of work should be verified by the court registrar.
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The chief magistrate, thereafter, adjourned the case until July 13 for further hearing.