Pigs theft lands man in court

A 40-year-old man, Yakubu Alhassan, who allegedly stole high breed pigs worth N500, 000, was on Wednesday brought before an Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun.
Alhassan is facing a two-count charge of theft and conspiracy.
The prosecutor, Sunday Ajayi, told the court that the accused committed the offences on November 5, 2017 at about 7.00 p.m. in Kola Balogun area of Osogbo.
Ajayi said that the accused stole eight special high breed pigs belonging to Olu Olaniyi.
He said that Alhassan had been on the run before he was arrested by police detectives and brought to court.
Ajayi also said that the stolen high breed pigs value at about N500, 000.
He said that the offence contravened Sections 516 (a) and 383 punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap.34 vol.11 Laws of Osun, 2003.
The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge preferred against him.
Counsel to the accused, Helen Odunayo, made an oral application, urging the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.
Odunayo said the offences were bailable and that her client remained innocent until proven otherwise.
She said that the accused would be available to stand the trial if granted bail.
Ajayi, however, did not object to the application.
The Magistrate, Olubukola Ayilara, admitted the accused to bail of N100, 000 and two sureties in the like sum.
Ayilara said that the sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction and produce evidence of tax payments.
The case was adjourned until March 3 for mention.