2 docked for theft of legislative mace

“The two accused, aided by a counsellor, stole the mace,” the police said.

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Two men, Ahmed Jimoh, 25, and Nurudeen Saubana, 23, were on Wednesday arraigned in an Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court for alleged theft of mace valued N2.5million.

The Police Prosecutor, Sunday Eigbejiale, told the court that they stole the mace in Akomoje, Abeokuta North Local Government Legislative Chamber, on May 23 at about 11.00 a.m.

“The two accused, aided by a counsellor, stole the mace’’, he said.

Mr. Eigbejiale said they were charged with conspiracy and stealing, offences which contravened sections 516, 383 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The two accused persons, who had no lawyer to defend them, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The Magistrate, Martins Akinyemi, admitted the duo to bail in the sum of N500, 000 each with two sureties in like sum.

He adjourned the case till October 6 for definite hearing.

PREMIUM TIMES had reported how three councillors of the council were suspended for allegedly stealing the mace.

The suspension order was contained in a letter dated May 26 and signed by the House deputy leader, Fadairo Abass.

The suspended councillors include Saheed Adejojo, representing Ward 4, Elega area; Kabir Ayoola from Ward 12, Ita-Oshin/Olomore area; and Rasheed Adio from Ward 16, Ibara/Idiya area.

While Mr. Adejojo was accused of forcing his way into the legislative chambers during plenary and carting away the mace, the other two councillors were reportedly suspended for their sudden disappearance shortly before the attempted mace theft.

Mr. Adejojo allegedly went to the council with three suspected thugs while the plenary was going on. He allegedly carted away the mace, which was later found in an uncompleted building around the area.