A trader, Alhaji Sheriki Labanka of Afon town and a 17-year-old cattle rearer, Babuga Umaru Usman of Gbugu area in Kwara State, have appeared before an Ilorin Chief Magistrates' court over alleged theft of cows.

The two suspects were arraigned on a four-count charge of criminal conspiracy, theft by servant, dishonestly receiving stolen property and assisting in concealment of stolen property.

They were arrested having been suspected on August 28, 2011, of stealing three cows worth 750,000.

It was gathered that trouble began for the accused following a report at Ajase-Ipo Divisional Police headquarters, Kwara State by one Alhaji Wakili of Idibo area, Otte, that the accused criminally conspired and stole his cows at Idibo Fulani camp.

According to the complainant, Babuga, who he employed as his herdsman, criminally conspired with one Yusuf Babuga, said to be at large and stole three bulls out of the cows entrusted to him, valued at N750,000.

Police First Information (PIF) report on the matter stated that investigation at the state CID, Ilorin later led to the recovery of the stolen cows, allegedly sold to Sheriki for N530,000.

The report added that investigations further revealed that Sheriki dishonestly received the said cows from Babuga and Yusuf now at large.

The prosecutor, Inspector Moshood Adebayo, said the investigation was still in progress with a view to arresting the other at large.

He, however, objected to the bail of the accused and urged the court to remand them at the Federal Prison, Ilorin, pending the outcome of the investigation.     

The defence, Abdulganiyu Bello, prayed the court to admit the accused to bail. He said the accused were granted police bail and did not abuse the privilege.

Chief Magistrate K.L. Isiaq, agreed with the submission of the defence and admitted the accused to bail, since they had not abused the privileged given by them by the police.

The accused were admitted to bail each at the sum of N100,000 and two sureties in like sum.

The court adjourned the matter for further mention.