Drama in Court: Labourer Accused of Sewing Machine Theft Faces Justice

The police on Wednesday arraigned a 24-year-old labourer, Shedrack Jeremiah, before a Chief Magistrates’ Court in Wuse, Abuja, for allegedly stealing a sewing machine.

Jeremiah was arraigned on charges of criminal trespass, theft, and receiving stolen property.

Prosecuting counsel, Simpa Ibrahim, informed the court that the case was reported by one Henry Francis at the Mpape Police Station in Abuja on June 18.

Ibrahim alleged that Jeremiah unlawfully entered Francis’s residence in Mpape and stole a sewing machine worth ₦250,000, a six-kilogram gas cylinder valued at ₦30,000, and a rug. He further stated that Jeremiah sold the sewing machine to one Abdullahi Usman, who is currently at large, and disposed of the other items to an unidentified buyer.

The offences, according to Ibrahim, violate Section 288 of the Penal Code.

Jeremiah pleaded not guilty. His defence counsel, Helen Okpala, applied for bail, referencing Sections 36(5) of the 1999 Constitution and Sections 158, 162, and 165 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA). Okpala assured the court that her client would not evade trial or interfere with investigations, and has a credible surety.

Magistrate Hafsat Amiru granted Jeremiah bail in the sum of ₦300,000 with two sureties who must reside within the court’s jurisdiction. The sureties are required to present valid identification and a current utility bill.

The case was adjourned until July 21 for further hearing.