3 remanded for destroying N10m property

An Enugu East Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday remanded three men who allegedly destroyed property worth N10 million.

Chief Magistrate Denis Ekoh remanded Sunday Ukoede, Julius Akpa and Joseph Mmaduabuchukwu in police custody pending ruling on their bail applications.

The accused were arraigned on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, malicious damage and willful destruction.

They, however, pleaded not guilty.

The prosecutor, Mr C. U. Nwachukwu, had told the court that the accused, on Sept.10, destroyed a building under construction valued at N7 million and stole iron rods valued at N3 million.

The prosecutor said that the building, located at Agu-Ogbo Offia, belonged to one Mr Joseph Anayo.

Nwachukwu said that the offences contravened the Criminal Code, Law of Enugu State, 2004.

The counsel to the accused, Mr Chinemere Okolo, prayed the court to grant them bail, claiming that the alleged offences had to do with land dispute.

The prosecutor, however, opposed the application, arguing that the case was that of malicious damage and stealing and not that of land dispute.

Nwachukwu said that granting the bail would jeopardize police investigation.

The court will give ruling on the bail application on Sept. 26.