Scavenger faces charges for allegedly stealing digital scale

In a recent legal development, a 30-year-old scavenger, Tanimu Ibrahim, has been brought before the Dei-Dei Grade 1 Area Court in Abuja on charges of allegedly stealing a digital scale valued at N38,000. The police have charged Ibrahim with criminal trespass and theft in connection with the incident.

The Prosecution Counsel, Mr. Chinedu Ogada, disclosed that on November 22, the complainant, Mrs. Esther Edeh, residing at Byazhin Across, Kubwa, Abuja, reported the matter at Dutse Alhaji Police Station. On the mentioned date, the defendant purportedly intruded into the complainant’s compound at Military Pension Board, Kubwa, without consent.

The prosecutor further alleged that Ibrahim stole the complainant’s digital scale, valued at N38,000, and fled to an unknown location. Subsequently, he reappeared days later and was apprehended before being handed over to the police.

During the police investigation, the defendant reportedly failed to provide a satisfactory account of himself. The charges against Ibrahim are in violation of Sections 348 and 288 of the Penal Code.

While the defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges, the Judge, Saminu Suleiman, granted him bail in the sum of N20,000. Additionally, one surety in a similar amount was required, with the condition that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction, provide reliable means of identification, and comply with other stipulations. The case has been adjourned until January 9, 2024, for further hearing.