The Police on Thursday docked a 20-year-old labourer, Ishaku Barau, at a Mararaba Grade 1 Area Court, Aso Pada, over the alleged theft of 5 cartons of smoked fish. Barau, of no fixed address, is standing trial on a two-count charge of criminal trespass and theft. The prosecutor, Cpl. Friday Adaji, told the court that on Dec. 8, one Sabo Ibrahim of Tudun Wada, Mararaba, lodged a complaint at the ‘A’ Division Police Station.

 
Adaji alleged that on Dec. 7, at about 3:30 a.m., the accused criminally trespassed into the complainant’s shop located at Mararaba Market. He said the accused stole 5 cartons of smoked fish and 1 bag of fresh onions, all valued at N70, 000 before he was caught in the act by the vigilance group in the area.

 
The prosecutor noted that the offence contravened the Provisions of Sections 348 and 287of the Penal Code. If found guilty; the accused is liable to a prison term which may extend up to three years, with a fine or both. When the charge was read to the accused, he pleaded `not guilty’ to the allegations levelled against him.

 
The Presiding Judge, Mr Albert Maga, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N100, 000.00, with one surety in like sum.
Maga ordered that the surety must reside within the jurisdiction of the court and must submit a passport photograph or National Identity Card. He adjourned the matter till Dec. 22, for further hearing.