Three men, Dayo Ademola (24), Tunmise Adeyemi (21) and Sunday Awotula (20), have been brought before an Okitipupa Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly breaking into a shop and stealing a bag of dried peppers valued at N150,000.
The defendants, identified as labourers and a farmer, are facing a three-count charge of conspiracy, burglary and theft.
According to Police Prosecutor, ASP Zedekiah Orogbemi, the incident occurred on June 17 at about 4:30 a.m. in the Sabo area of Okitipupa, where the trio allegedly burgled the shop of one Iyabo Akinluwa.
Orogbemi said the offences contravened Sections 516, 413 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ondo State, 2006.
The three defendants, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read.
Chief Magistrate Olanrewaju Adelegan ordered that they be released on bail, fixing the amount at N50,000 for each of them with one surety in like sum. He added that the sureties must live within the jurisdiction of the court and present evidence of tax payment as required by law.
The case was adjourned to a later date for further hearing.