Driver in court for allegedly stealing charcoal worth N730, 000

A 38-year-old driver, Farouq Babanle, was arraigned on Thursday before a Kaduna Chief Magistrates’ Court for allegedly stealing charcoal worth N730, 000.

The defendant, whose address was not provided, is facing two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The prosecutor, Insp. Chidi Leo told the court that the defendant committed the offence on Nov 12, at Kachia Local Government Area of Kaduna State.

According to Leo, the defendant was given charcoal worth N730, 000 to transport from Kachia to customers in Kawo Kaduna.

The prosecutor stated that the defendant stole the charcoal, sold it and diverted the proceeds to his personal use.

He added that after stealing the charcoal, the defendant ran to an unknown destination until he was seen and arrested on Nov. 20, at Rigasa Kaduna.

He said the offence contravened the Penal Code of Kaduna State, 2017.

The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Ibrahim Emmanuel, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

Emmanuel said that the sureties must be gainfully employed and must furnish the court with proof of tax payment to the Kaduna State Government.

He adjourned the case until Dec. 19, for hearing.