2 farmers arraigned in court for allegedly stealing locust beans

Two farmers on Friday appeared in a Magistrates’ Court in Kafanchan, Kaduna State, for allegedly stealing locust beans.

The police charged Joseph Bakano and Mangu Bakano with theft and breach of peace.

They pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The prosecution counsel, Mr Mathias Joseph, told the court that the complainant, Ishaya Tukura of Kurmin Gwaza, reported the case at the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) office on April 20.

Joseph said the defendants went to the complainant’s farm and harvested 12 trees of locust beans.

He noted that the defendants were invited by the NSCDC for questioning but refused to turn themselves in.

Joseph said that the defendants intended to breach the peace when they refused to report at NSCDC’ office.

He said the offencs contravened the provisions of sections 271 and 101 of the Kaduna State Penal Code.

Magistrate Michael Bawa admitted the defendants bail in the sum of N150, 000 each with a surety in like sum.

Bawa adjourned the case until July 20 for mention.