A 23-year-old scavenger, Kabiru Danjuma, was arraigned before a Life Camp Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja on Thursday over the alleged theft of solar panels valued at N80,000.
Danjuma, a resident of Gidan Bola Sahara Estate, Abuja, faces a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft. He pleaded not guilty to both counts.
The prosecutor, Charity Nwachukwu, informed the court that the complainant, Abeng David, reported the incident at the Life Camp Police Station on April 27. She alleged that on the same date, the defendant was found in possession of four solar panels belonging to Mr David.
According to the prosecutor, investigations revealed that the panels had been stolen from the estate. Ms Nwachukwu told the court that although the defendant confessed to the offences during police interrogation, efforts to recover the stolen items proved unsuccessful.
The charges contravene Sections 348 and 287 of the Penal Code, she added.
Chief Magistrate Musa Jobbo granted Danjuma bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety in like amount. The case has been adjourned until June 25 for further hearing.