Ugwu Henry, a 37-year-old resident of FCT, found himself facing charges in a Magistrates’ Court in Gwagwalada, FCT, after allegedly taking a Mercedes Benz car from the High Court premises where it was supposed to be submitted as evidence.
The police accused Henry of house trespass with intent to commit a crime, theft in a dwelling place, and criminal misappropriation.
In court, the Prosecution Counsel, Malik Taiwo, explained that in May 2023, the defendant unlawfully entered the High Court premises in Gwagwalada, Abuja, and deceived the security guard, Mr. Hussaini Abutu.
Taiwo disclosed that Henry transferred N10,000 into the security guard’s Zenith Bank account (account number 2411637686), leading him to believe that Okekwu Josiah, a court official, had authorized the removal of the car.
The stolen vehicle, a Mercedes Benz E320 with registration number SMK 892 DU, was originally parked by police Cpl Mohammed Isah of Area Commander Metro FCT, Abuja, to be presented as evidence in a case involving Babalola Matthew, who admitted to possessing a portion of a N67 million loot during a police inquiry.
As per Taiwo, during questioning, Henry confessed to his actions of taking the car to the Gwagwalada High Court and later selling it to a scavenger for personal gain.
These actions, as per the prosecutor, violate Sections 352, 288, and 309 of the Penal Code.
Although the defendant pleaded not guilty, his Defense Counsel, Bennath Eke, urged the court to grant bail based on constitutional provisions.
Magistrate Olatunji Oladunmoye set the bail at N10 million with two sureties in similar amounts, requiring them to reside within the court’s jurisdiction and provide valid identification.
The case is scheduled for further proceedings on June 20. (NAN)