By ANAYO OKOLI
UMUAHIA—Two persons, Amadiegwu Okechukwu and Lawrence Nnorom, employees of an Umuahia-based security outfit, Trust Link Ventures Ltd, were Wednesday arraigned before an Umuahia Magistrate Court over conspiracy and stealing of items worth N2.5 million. The items were property of Abia State Planning Commission, APC.

The accused were alleged to have on March 3, 2012, at 5.30pm, stole from the Ministry of Agriculture warehouse, Library Avenue Umuahia, items kept in  care and custody of Trust Link Ventures Ltd.

The items included 99 pieces of container Sputum, 16 adult hospital beds, 13 Steam Sterilizers, 30 Ward Screens and six Gas

Cylinders with logs.

However, when the charges were read to them, presided over by Mrs. Nnenna Grant Osuh, they pleaded not guilty.  Their lawyers applied for bail, saying the offence was a bailable one.

Before granting them bail, the Magistrate said there have been instances where many of those granted bails failed to report to the court on the appointed dates, including their sureties.

She said:  “We have had nasty experiences from some of the bails this court granted, they and their sureties absconded, some even supplied fake addresses, and their sureties were not located”. There seems to be in existence professional sureties.

“This is why this court now insists on Sureties being Civil Servants of Abia State.

“My eyes will shine red if they do not appear in court on the appointed dates. This court will not insist on their Sureties being Civil Servant because the plea is coming from the Bar.”

Accordingly, she granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N150, 000 and one Surety each, who must be resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

The Sureties were also to swear to an affidavit of means, show proof of tax payment for year 2010 and 2011.  She therefore adjourned the case for hearing to Wednesday, May 9, 2012.