By Ifeoma Nzediegwu
Awka: A 32-year-old man, Sunday Habla, on Friday appeared before an Anambra Magistrate’s court, sitting in Amawbia, charged with burgling the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) office in Awka.
Habila was specifically accused of stealing and damaging various items worth N1,050,000 belonging to the federal government agency.
According to Mr Hojo Ubanna, prosecution counsel, Habila, on Oct. 12, stole aluminum frame valued at N300, 000 and copper wires valued at N500,000, at the NAN office in Awka.
He said the offence violated section 353(12) of the criminal code cap 36 Vol. II revised laws of Anambra 1991 as amended.
The official said that such felony was punishable under section 380(a) of the criminal code cap 36 Vol. II revised laws of Anambra 1991 as amended.
According to the prosecutor, Habila also damaged an iron door valued at N250,000, an offence punishable under section 415(1) of the criminal code cap 36 Vol. II revised laws of Anambra 1991 as amended.
Ubanna also informed the Court that the suspect had just been released from a correctional centre after committing another criminal offence.
“He has just been released from a correctional centre; now he has committed another criminal offence,” the prosecutor alleged.
The suspect, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.
After taking the plea, the Magistrate, Mrs Esther Chukwu, ordered the remand of the suspect in a correctional facility, and promised that the case would be given accelerated hearing.
The case was adjourned to Oct. 29. (NAN)
