A 45-year-old truck driver, Caleb Inuwa, was on Thursday arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrates’ Court for allegedly conspiring with others still at large to steal 250 bags of cement.
Inuwa, who resides in Kabala Doki, Kaduna, is facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and theft. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.
According to the Prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo, the complainant, Raymond Elisha of Independence Way, Kaduna, reported the matter at Gabasawa Police Station on April 6.
Leo said the defendant, who was employed by Ray Height Logistics Company, was assigned to deliver 260 bags of cement from Kaduna to a customer in Abuja on April 4. However, he allegedly diverted the goods, sold them, and absconded with the proceeds.
“Inuwa conspired with three others who are currently at large. After committing the offence, he fled and was eventually apprehended in Kogi State on May 5,” the prosecutor told the court.
The offences, Leo said, contravene Sections 58 and 217 of the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017. Section 58 prescribes a three-year imprisonment term for conspiracy, while Section 217 carries a penalty of up to five years for theft.
Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦500,000 with two sureties in like sum. The sureties must provide evidence of three years’ tax payment to the Kaduna State Government, reside within the state, have verifiable addresses, and show proof of a legitimate source of income.
The case was adjourned until June 18 for hearing.
