Three suspected members of a goat-stealing syndicate have been arraigned before an Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrate’s Court.
Ojo Gbenga, Basiru Adebayo and Aderiye Adekunle were accused by the police of stealing 10 she-goats.
They were arrested by the police on Saturday when they were stopped in transit by the public after their car hit a commercial motorcyclist in Ado-Ekiti.
The prosecutor, Sgt Caleb Leramo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on January 16 at 7am in Okeyinmi area of the city.
Leramo alleged that the accused, on the said date, unlawfully had in their possessions 10 she–goats, which was suspected to have been stolen.
According to him, the offence contravened Section 430 of the Criminal Code.
They pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Their counsel, Chris Omokhafe, prayed the court to grant them bail on liberal terms.
The bail application was opposed by the prosecutor on the grounds that the accused had appeared before the same court for the same offence.
Leramo said granting them bail might make them commit the same offence.
The Chief Magistrate, Adesoji Adegboye, consequently granted bail to the accused in the sum of N100,00 and two surety in like sum.
He adjourned the case till tomorrow for accelerated hearing.