A 35-year-old security guard, Joshua Hassan, was arraigned before a Magistrates’ Court in Gwagwalada, Abuja, on Wednesday over allegations of theft and negligent conduct.
According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the police charged Hassan with two counts related to theft by a servant and negligent conduct.
Prosecuting counsel Abdullahi Tanko told the court that the case was reported by the complainant, Bashiru Mohammed, from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) College of Education, Zuba.
Tanko stated that Hassan was employed as a security guard at Ifena Filling Station in Gwagwalada. He alleged that in April 2024, the defendant dishonestly stole an electrical motor machine valued at N1.28 million. Additionally, he was accused of stealing five units of fuel pumps worth N1.6 million and an armoured cable valued at N400,000, bringing the total value of the stolen items to N3.28 million.
Further police investigation revealed that Hassan allegedly sold the motorized electrical motor machine to one Suleiman Hussani for just N15,000.
The prosecutor noted that the offences violated Sections 316 and 289 of the Penal Code.
Hassan, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Magistrate Olatunji Oladunmoye granted the defendant bail in the sum of N2 million, requiring two sureties who must provide verifiable addresses within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned until March 12 for hearing.