A 44-year-old man, Oluchukwu John, on Friday, appeared before an Abakaliki Magistrates’ Court 6 in Ebonyi State over alleged stealing and threatening the life of one David Okorie-Ugbana.
The defendant, who pleaded not guilty, is standing trial on a four-count charge of conspiracy, assault, stealing and threat to life.
Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Lilian Aliede, informed the court that the defendant committed the offences on March, 30, at Okposi in Ohaozara Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.
Aliede said the defendant and others now at large threatened the life of Okorie David-Ugbana, a male, which caused him fear.
She said the offence is punishable under Section 86 (2) of the criminal code cap. 33 Vol. 1 laws of Ebonyi State of Nigeria, 2009.
The Prosecutor also added that the defendant, on the same date and place, damaged a fence valued at N1.4 million, property of Everest Okorie.
“He damaged sharp sand valued at N45,000 property of the same Okorie Everest. The offence is contrary to the laws of Ebonyi state of Nigeria, 2009.
“The defendant also did steal 50 bags of cement valued at N380,000 property of Okorie Everest,” the Prosecutor submitted.
The defence counsel, Mr Solomon Eguji, pleaded for the bail of the defendant in the most liberal terms.
Eguji assured the court that his client would not jump bail, but would provide reliable sureties.
He also pleaded to the court for the transfer of the matter to the area of jurisdiction.
The Chief Magistrate, Prince Ogboji, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N500,000, with one surety in like sum including one-year tax receipt.
“The surety must be within the jurisdiction of the court,” Ogboji added.
The Magistrate further granted them the transfer of the matter to the area of jurisdiction.
He adjourned the case till May 2, for mention.