Yola Court remands 27-year-old over alleged theft of 22 women’s pants for ritual

A Chief Magistrate’s Court in Yola, Adamawa State, has ordered the remand of a 27-year-old man, Muktar Shehu, at a correctional facility over the alleged theft of 22 pieces of women’s pants, which police said were stolen for ritual purposes.

Shehu, a resident of Zango Ward in Jimeta, Yola North Local Government Area, was arraigned before Chief Magistrate Uwani Danladi by the Adamawa State Police Command.

The defendant is facing allegations bordering on house trespass, theft and criminal charm.

The prosecution, led by Inspector Danjuma Hamidu, told the court that Shehu allegedly broke into the residence of one Halima Yakubu on August 6, 2026, and stole 22 pieces of women’s pants along with other clothing items.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) presented before the court, the suspect was subsequently arrested and questioned by the police.

The prosecutor alleged that during interrogation, Shehu admitted taking the clothing items for ritual purposes.

The prosecution told the court that the nature of the alleged offence required the evidence of a witness to corroborate the defendant’s plea before further proceedings could take place.

When the charges were read to him, Shehu reportedly pleaded guilty to the allegations.

Following his plea, the prosecution sought permission to call a witness to corroborate the admission and establish the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences.

The Chief Magistrate subsequently ordered that the defendant be remanded in a correctional facility in Yola pending further proceedings in the matter.

The case has drawn attention because of the allegation that the stolen clothing was intended for ritual purposes, although such claims remain allegations until established through evidence before a competent court.

The court is expected to determine the next stage of the proceedings after consideration of the prosecution’s evidence and other relevant legal requirements.\