A 28-year-old man, Ajayi Babatunde, was brought before the Abeokuta Magistrates’ Court in Isabo on Wednesday for assault and stealing.

Mr Babatunde is facing a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, assault and stealing.

He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Lawrence Olu-Balogun, told the court that the defendant committed the offences on Monday at about 7:30 p.m. at Owode-Egba, Abeokuta.

Mr Olu-Balogun alleged that the defendant conspired with others still at large to assault the complainant, Tunde Rabiu.

He also alleged that the defendant conspired with others to assault and steal a Tecno Pop 10 mobile phone valued at N185,000, belonging to a resident, Taiwo Akinkunmi.

The prosecutor said the complainants were on duty as security guards at Young Agro Company, Idera, Owode-Egba, Abeokuta, when the incident occurred.

He said that the defendant’s wife was involved in hitting an individual with her car and that rather than resolving the issue, the defendant allegedly assaulted the security guards.

According to him, the complainants reported the matter to the police, which led to the defendant’s arrest.

Mr Olu-Balogun said the offences contravened Sections 355, 383 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code Vol. 1 of Ogun 2006.

The chief magistrate, A.K. Araba, granted the defendant bail of N500,000 with one surety in like sum. Ms Araba ordered that the surety must be a licensed bondsman registered with the Ogun judiciary.

She adjourned the case until August 13 for hearing.

(NAN)