For Stealing Cigarettes Worth N265, Man Asked To Pay N50,000 As Bail

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A Judge at the Gudu Upper Area Court in Abuja, Nigeria’s capital, Alhaji Umar Kagarko, on Friday granted bail to a 25-year old man, Samuel Sedi, in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum after he was arraigned for allegedly stealing cigarettes worth N265. The police in the Federal Capital Territory on Friday arraigned Sedi at the Gudu Upper Area Court for allegedly stealing cigarettes.

Leadership newspaper reports that the accused, who resides at Jahi village, Abuja, is standing trial on a two-count charge of theft and attempted escape from lawful custody. The prosecutor, Cpl. Sani Yusuf, told the court that the accused went to NEXT Cash and Carry Department Store on July 17 and under the pretence of shopping, stole cigarettes worth N265. Yusuf said that when the accused was searched, dry leaves suspected to be Indian hemp were found in his possession.

He said that Sedi attempted to escape but was chased and arrested immediately. He said that the management of the store, through Emeka Okonkwo, in company with policemen attached to the store reported the matter at the Mabushi Police Station. He told the court that the offence contravened sections 288 and 95 of the penal code.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges. Consequently, the Judge, Alhaji Kagarko, granted bail to Sedi in the sum of N50,000, with one surety in like sum and must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. Kagarko adjourned the case till Sept. 9, 2015.