Three men — Gabriel Ukpai, Abdul Suleiman, and Emmanuel Terhemba — have been charged at a chief magistrates' court in Wuse, Abuja, over the alleged theft of three electric motors. The incident is linked to Eunell Quarry in Durumi, where the motors were reportedly stolen from machines on site. The prosecutor, Sunny Emmanuel, told the court the complainant, David Anyebe, reported the case to Mpape Police Station on April 23. He said the suspects conspired with one Kenneth Agupunam, who is at large, to steal the motors. One motor was recovered, but two others, valued at N10 million, remain missing. The prosecutor claimed the defendants admitted selling one motor and sharing the proceeds. They face charges under sections 97 and 289 of the Penal Code for criminal conspiracy and stealing. All three pleaded not guilty.

Defence lawyers — Remilekun Abdulraheem, Enagonimi Ekpede, and Idris Yusuf — applied for bail on liberal terms. The prosecution opposed, warning the defendants might interfere with the investigation. Magistrate Ekpeyong Inyang granted bail in the sum of N2 million each, requiring one reliable surety per defendant. Sureties must be civil servants resident within the court's jurisdiction, provide an affidavit of means, and submit verifiable documents from their workplaces. The defendants must also sign undertakings not to obstruct the investigation or intimidate witnesses. The case was adjourned to July 1 for hearing.

💡 NaijaBuzz Take

The court granted bail to men accused of selling stolen electric motors while two worth N10 million remain unaccounted for. If the defendants can access N2 million bail and secure civil servant sureties, questions arise over how freely they might move despite the theft allegations. Their ability to post bail contrasts with the unresolved recovery of the motors, leaving the complainant's losses unaddressed. The July 1 hearing will show whether the investigation can keep pace with the legal process.

Editorial note: AI-assisted opinion. All persons mentioned are presumed innocent until proven guilty. Full disclaimer →