- Safiu Kehinde
A 27-year-old security man, Ezekiel John, was on Monday docked over alleged theft of cables from the MTN mast at Jericho area, Eleyele, Ibadan.
John, a resident of Oke-Bola area, Ibadan, was arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court on a five-count charge bordering on intent to steal, stealing, and destruction of cable wire.
According to the prosecuting counsel, ASP Foluke Adedosu, the defendant, on April 16 and 23, at about 5.40 a.m., allegedly damaged and stole MTN cable wire, the value yet unknown.
She said the offences contravened Section 383 and were punishable under Sections 390 (9), 413 (1) and 451 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel, Ola Olaniji, thereafter, asked for the defendant’s bail in the most liberal terms.
The Magistrate, Mrs A. T. Oyediji, admitted the defendant to bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties in like sum.
Oyediji said one of the sureties must be a blood relation, while the second must be a house owner with a proof.
She adjourned the matter until June 2 for hearing.
According to reports, MTN was represented in court by one Samuel Olanrewaju, a telecom engineer.