Five scavengers have been arraigned before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ado-Ekiti over alleged unlawful possession of iron rods and vehicle parts.
The defendants — Yahu Abdullahi, 35; Muhammadu Yahuza, 28; Muhammadu Rabiu, 18; Saminu Umar, 23; and Abdul Isaha, 22 — are facing a one-count charge relating to possession of suspected stolen items.
The Prosecutor, Insp Akinwale Oriyomi, told the court that the defendants were found on 9 May at about 8:00 p.m. in possession of iron rods, copper wires, vehicle parts, and other iron materials at a flyover construction site in Ado-Ekiti.
He said the items were suspected to have been stolen and that the offence contravened Section 345 of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.
Oriyomi requested an adjournment to allow time to review the case file and gather witnesses.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Defence counsel, Mr Oluwafemi Alabi, asked the court to grant the defendants bail, assuring they would not abscond.
Chief Magistrate Abayomi Adeosun granted bail in the sum of N10,000 each, with one surety each in like sum.
The case was adjourned to 3 June for hearing.
(NAN)
