Lagos – A 44-year-old trader, Zainab Suara, was on Friday brought before a Tinubu Chief Magistrates’ Court, Lagos, over alleged theft of three bags of melon value at N110,000.

Suara, whose address was not provided, is facing a charge of stealing.

The prosecutor, Sgt. Hafsat Ajibode, told the court that the accused committed the offence on April 14, 2016 about 9:30a.m. at Shop 41, Oja Oba Lane, under Bridge, Lagos Island.

Ajibode said that the accused stole the three bags of melon from the complainant, Mrs Awawu Shonga.

She said that the accused collected the melon from the complainant and promised to pay on a later date, but, however, refused to pay.

“The accused bought three bags of melon from Shonga two years ago and absconded to Ghana.

“On July 17, the complainant saw her at a Police Post in Lagos Island and got her arrested,” she said.

The offence contravened Section 287 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates a three-year imprisonment for any offender upon conviction.

Suara, however, pleaded not guilty.

In his ruling, the Chief Magistrate, Mr Tajudeen Elias, granted accused bail of N100, 000 with a responsible surety in like sum.

Elias said the surety should be gainfully employed and must be a relation to the accused.

The case was adjourned until Aug.16 for mention. (NAN)