Drama in court: Drycleaner faces N1.5m electronics theft charge

A 31-year-old dry cleaner, Sunday Williams, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing electronics valued at ₦1.5 million.

Williams, a resident of Narayi, Kaduna, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing. He, however, pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, told the court that the defendant, along with two others still at large, committed the offence on September 20 at Amina Yakawo Estate, Bayan Dutse, Kaduna.

Leo alleged that the trio scaled the fence of the complainant, Gabriel Uche’s residence, broke into the apartment, and carted away valuables worth ₦1.5m. He added that while the accomplices escaped, Williams was apprehended by a police patrol team.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened Sections 59 and 217 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, noting that Section 217 prescribes up to seven years’ imprisonment for stealing.

Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. He directed that the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, be gainfully employed, and present evidence of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.

The case was adjourned until October 30 for hearing.