Akure – Six persons, including four students,  were on Tuesday arraigned before an Akure Chief Magistrate’s Court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

The students  arraigned  included Isiaka Ismaila, 25; Kehinde Segun, 20;  Usman Mumuni, 25 and Adebayo Abiodun, 25.

Also arraigned were a 25-year-old  old brick layer,  Ojo Ikare and a 26-year-old hotel worker, Akadiri Olatunbosun.

The accused were alleged to have conspired together with two others now at large to commit the offence on Feb.  25 at Igoba Estate, Akure.

The six were accused of stealing one Hajue motorcycle valued at N95,000 and  marked QW 284 KTU  said to be  the property of one Isiaka Abdulahi.

The police prosecutor, Insp.  Sakiru Odunjo, said the offence was contrary to and punishable under sections 390 (9) of of the criminal code cap 37 Vol. I laws of Ondo State 2006.

The six accused persons, who elected for summary trial,  pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to them in Yoruba.

The prosecutor  informed the court that he had  three  witnesses  to  call, but  asked for an adjournment.

The counsel to the first, second and fifth accused persons, Mr Olu Alade, who spoke on behalf of the other defence counsel,  did not object to the adjournment sought by the prosecution.

He, however,  urged the court to grant the six accused bail on  liberal terms as they were still presumed innocent.

Chief Magistrate Rabi Adagunodo granted each of the accused persons bail in the sum of  N100, 000 each and one surety each in like sum.

She said the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of the court,  swear to an affidavit of means as well as deposit two passport photographs each with the court.

Adagunodo adjourned the case  to May 2 for hearing. (NAN)