Enugu North Magistrates’ Court has remanded a priest and a couple in prison for allegedly stealing and destroying property worth N29 million.

The accused persons, Solomon Obiukwu, Fredrick Eze and Juliana Eze, from Orji River Local Government Area in Enugu State, were alleged to have stolen and destroyed property belonging to one Chinyere Gbugu.

They pleaded not guilty to the eight-count charge brought against them.

The Police Prosecutor, Mr. Peter Eze, told the court that the matter was reported at the Oji River Police Station on February 2.

He said: “The accused conspired and set on fire five buildings worth N25 million and four hectares of pineapple farm worth N4 million, which belonged to Gbugu.

“The offences are punishable under Sections 495(a) and 353(L) of the Criminal Code, Cap 30 Vol. II, Law of Enugu State of Nigeria, 2004.”

He pleaded with the court not to grant the accused bail.

Counsel to the three accused persons, Mr. C. Ogbuewu, however, prayed the court to re-frame the charges as the eight-count charge brought against the accused were simple offences and not capital.

He pleaded with the court to grant the accused bail on lenient terms as the first accused was hypertensive.

In her ruling, the Magistrate, Mrs O. Nneji, said the court had no jurisdiction over the matter.

“The court’s hands are tied in granting the accused bail as this matter is beyond this court,” she said.

She said that the four witnesses mentioned should appear in court any time the case was called up, warning that failing to appear in court would attract a fine of N200,000 each.

The magistrate said the accused should seek bail any time the matter was called up at the appropriate court.

She transferred the case to the state’s Attorney-General and remanded them in prison.