The police on Tuesday, dragged four men before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State, for allegedly stealing gold worth N27.6 million.

The defendants are Israel Mapko, 60; Kabirat Nurudeen, 48; Salisu Adamu, 58; and Abiola Modesola, 49.

They were charged on four counts bordering on conspiracy, stealing and receiving stolen goods.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges.

The prosecutor, Sergeant Aileen Akinloye, alleged that the offence was committed between October 2025 and February 2026, at the Ologuneru area of Ibadan.

He alleged that the first defendant (Mapko) fraudulently converted to his own use, a 21 carat gold weighing 119.2 g, belonging to one Alhaji Kamoru Lawal.

The prosecutor alleged that the defendant was meant to deliver the gold to one Queen Sila, but failed to do so.

The gold is said to be worth N27.6  million.

He alleged that the defendant disappeared with the gold, with the intent of depriving the complainant permanent ownership .

Meanwhile the second and third defendants were alleged to have received 15g of gold earrings on November on 16, 2025, valued at N6.9 million.

He alleged that the fourth defendant on his part shielded the first defendant from arrest, by accommodating him, knowing that he was wanted for a crime.

The offences contravene the provisions of sections, 386, 390(6), 427, and 516, of the Criminal Law of Oyo State 2000..

The Chief Magistrate, Olabisi Ogunkanmi,granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties each in like sum.

Among others, the court held that one of the sureties must be a landed property owner, while the second surety must be blood relation to each of the defendants.

She adjourned the case until June 5, for hearing.

(NAN)