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A Magistrates’ Court sitting in Akure, the capital of Ondo State, has remanded a 37-year-old man, Azubike Ugochukwu, in a correctional facility over alleged housebreaking and theft of property valued at N22,594,000.
Ugochukwu was arraigned on a three-count charge of housebreaking and theft brought against him by the Ondo State Police Command.
While informing the court that the defendant and others still at large committed the offences on May 19, 2025, at Ondo Road, Akure, the police prosecutor, Adebayo Sulaiman, stated that Ugochukwu and his accomplices broke into the residence of one Adara Rawlings.
Sulaiman further explained that the suspects stole various high-value electronics, gadgets, accessories, and personal items worth millions of naira.
The prosecutor listed the stolen items as including one Samsung S20 FE, one Samsung S6 Lite tablet, two iPhone 13s, two Samsung Note 20 Ultras, one Itel P65, one HP ProBook (640GB), two Dell XPS 9343 laptops, one iPhone 14 Pro Max, and two Samsung Note 8s.
According to Sulaiman, the offences violated Sections 383(2)(a), 390(9), 412, and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Vol. 1, Laws of Ondo State, 2006. He also added that other stolen items included one Alienware M15 R5 laptop, one HP EliteDisplay S14 portable monitor, and one Microsoft Surface Pro 7 detachable keyboard.
Other alleged stolen items comprised bags containing laptop chargers, two phone chargers, one MSI Bravo laptop, one MSI Raider GE66, one Dell Precision 7560, two MSI Raider GE78AX laptops, three pieces of jewelry, one body cream, one pack of bathing soap, and N35,000 cash, all valued at N22,594,000.
The prosecutor further informed the court that one Chukwuemeka Paul had acted as surety for the defendant while he was in police custody, but Ugochukwu allegedly fled after being released to the surety. He was later tracked down and rearrested in Ikorodu, Lagos State.
Urging the court to deny the bail application, the prosecutor emphasized the seriousness of the allegations. In response, the defendant's counsel, A. I. Shaibu, appealed to the court to consider his client's fundamental right to liberty.
Meanwhile, the magistrate, Damilola Sekoni, granted the prosecution's request and ordered that Ugochukwu be remanded at the Olokuta Correctional Facility in Akure. The case was adjourned until January 19, 2026, for a hearing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were the charges against Azubike Ugochukwu?
Azubike Ugochukwu faced a three-count charge of housebreaking and theft as preferred by the Ondo State Police Command.
What items were stolen in the alleged theft?
The stolen items included high-value electronics such as smartphones, laptops, and tablets, as well as personal belongings, with a total value of N22,594,000.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next court hearing is scheduled for January 19, 2026.
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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