Trader docked for allegedly receiving stolen bags of cement

The Police on Thursday arraigned a 28-year-old trader, Jonathan Lawi in a Grade I Area Court in Kado, Abuja, for allegedly receiving stolen 149 bags of cement valued at N685,400.

Lawi who resides at Gishiri village, Abuja is facing a count charge of receiving stolen property.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr Stanley Nwafoaku, told the court that the matter was reported at Mabushi Police Station by the complainant, Mr Owajichejo Getshon of No.5, New Jersey street, Efab Metropolis, Karsana, Abuja on Nov.9

Nwafoaku told the court that the complainant alleged that on Nov.6, his security guard, Sunday Kaboshio currently at large stole his149 bags of cement and gave them to the defendant.

“During police investigation it was discovered that the stolen bags of cement were sold to the defendant, knowing fully well that the items were stolen and he dishonestly received them,” he told the court.

The prosecutor said in the course of further investigation the defendant confessed to the crime and 40 bags of the cement were recovered from him.

He said the offence contravened the provision of Section 317 of the Penal Code.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Judge, Muhammed Wakili granted the defendant bail in the sum of N700, 000 with one surety who must provide a passport photograph.

He must also provide any valid means of identification and a BVN printout from his bank details.

Wakili adjourned the case until Feb. 16, 2023, for hearing