In a shocking incident on Thursday, the Abuja police apprehended a 20-year-old cleaner, Ali Hassan, for his alleged involvement in the theft of bicycles valued at a staggering N1.9 million.
The arrest was made following a complaint lodged by Mr. Mohammed Aliyu of Durumi, Abuja, at the Durumi Police Station on December 23.
According to the prosecutor, Stanley Nwaforaku, the incident occurred on December 17, around 6:00 a.m., when the accused, along with an accomplice, reportedly stole three bicycles with a cumulative worth of N1.9 million. The targeted bicycles belonged to Jonah Izuka of Durumi, Abuja.
During the course of the police investigation, one of the stolen bicycles, valued at N400,000, was successfully recovered from Ali Hassan.
The defendant, however, maintained his innocence when formally charged before the Lugbe Grade 1 Area Court, pleading not guilty to the accusations.
In response to the case, Judge Aliyu Kagarko granted the accused a bail of N2 million, requiring a surety in the same amount. The judge emphasized that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction.
The case has been adjourned until February 16 for further hearings, promising a legal showdown on the alleged bicycle theft that has captured the attention of the Abuja community.
NAN