A 56-year-old landlord, Abdul Ayuba, has been arraigned before a Wuse Chief Magistrates’ Court in Abuja for allegedly removing the doors and windows of his tenant’s apartment.
Ayuba was charged with mischief and theft following the incident, which allegedly occurred at a property in the Jabi area of the Federal Capital Territory.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.
The prosecutor, Chinenye Okafor, told the court that the defendant allegedly went to the apartment occupied by the complainant, Godswill Uko, on August 2 and removed the doors and windows.
Okafor alleged that Uko returned from work at about 9:20pm and found his apartment exposed after the doors and windows had been removed.
According to the prosecutor, the complainant also discovered that some of his belongings were missing.
The stolen items were identified as a stabiliser valued at N55,000, a wristwatch worth N45,000 and an iPhone 12 Pro Max estimated at N305,000.
The total value of the items was put at N405,000.
The prosecutor said the alleged offences contravened Sections 327 and 287 of the Penal Code.
In her ruling, Magistrate Habiba Bello granted Ayuba bail in the sum of N1m with one surety.
The court ordered that the surety must provide valid means of identification, reside within its jurisdiction and swear to an affidavit of means and livelihood.
Magistrate Bello further directed the court registrar to verify the surety’s residential address.
The case was adjourned until September 16 for hearing.