Man Arraigned for Allegedly Stealing Friend’s $1,200

A 36-year-old man, Benson Clement, was on Wednesday arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing $1,200 (equivalent to ₦1,829,000) from his friend.

Clement, a resident of Gbagyi Villa, Kaduna, is facing a one-count charge of stealing.

According to the prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, the offence occurred on July 18 at Taiwo Road, Kaduna. He told the court that the defendant had visited his friend, Nathan Michael, and allegedly stole the money while the complainant was asleep.

“The defendant fled to an unknown location after taking the money,” Leo said. “He was later arrested in Abuja, and during interrogation, he confessed to spending most of the money, leaving only ₦250,000.”

Leo noted that the offence contravenes Section 217 of the Kaduna State Penal Code, 2017, which prescribes up to seven years imprisonment upon conviction.

Clement pleaded not guilty to the charge.

Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000, with two responsible sureties in like sum. The sureties must be gainfully employed and present evidence of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.

The case was adjourned to August 28 for hearing.