Mr Biliya Adamu, Halidu Liman and Aminu Nura were docked in a Magistrates’ Court, Zuba, Abuja, for allegedly stealing a pumping machine and signboard from Phonex Hotel, Zuba.

The police charged the defendants with criminal conspiracy and theft.

The prosecuting counsel, Chinedu Ogada told the court that the complainant, a manager of the said hotel, Mr Emeka Agu, reported the matter at Zuba Police Station on June 28.

Ogada said that the defendants conspired, went to the hotel and stole one pumping machine valued N90, 000 and a signboard valued N70,000.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendants sold the stolen items and converted the money to their personal use.

The offence, he said, contravened the provisions of sections 97 and 287 of the Penal Code.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty.

The Magistrate Habiba Bello admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N100,000 each, with one surety each, resident within the court’s jurisdiction.

Bello ordered that the sureties must write an affidavit of means of their livelihood and adjourned the matter until July 8 for hearing.

(NAN)