The Ado-Ekiti Chief Magistrates’ Court on Friday arraigned two siblings, Ekene Ognwe, aged 18, and his younger brother, Goodluck Ognwe, 14, on charges of allegedly stealing two fowls valued at N30,000.
The prosecutor, Inspector Sodiq Adeniyi, informed the court that the crime was committed on the morning of October 17 at about 6:00 a.m. in Ado-Ekiti. According to the prosecution, the stolen fowls belonged to one Mrs. Elizabeth Uche.
Adeniyi further stated, “The two defendants were charged with stealing, which is a violation of Section 302(1)(a) of the Criminal Law of Ekiti State, 2021.”
During the court proceedings, the prosecutor requested an adjournment to allow him adequate time to review the case file and prepare witnesses for the hearing.
When asked about the circumstances surrounding the incident, the younger defendant, Goodluck, claimed he was not involved in the theft. He explained that his elder brother, Ekene, had called him after the theft was committed, asking him to pick up one of the stolen fowls. “I didn’t follow him to steal the fowls; we don’t even live together. He just called me to come and pick one fowl,” Goodluck told the court.
Despite their plea of not guilty to the charge, the defendants’ legal representative, Mr. Oluwafemi Alabi, appealed to the court to grant them bail, assuring that they would comply with any bail conditions set by the court. He emphasized, “The defendants will not jump bail if granted, my lord.”
In response, Chief Magistrate Dolamu Babalogbon granted Ekene Ognwe bail in the sum of N20,000, with one surety in like amount. However, the court discharged the younger brother, Goodluck, given the circumstances surrounding his involvement.
The case has been adjourned until October 31 for further hearing.
