Ondo driver faces trial over alleged theft of cutlasses worth N19.6m

By Boye Oyeyemi

A 40-year-old driver, Adebowale Dele, has been arraigned before an Akure Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing 60 cartons of new cutlasses valued at N19.6m in Ondo State.

Dele was charged alongside other suspects said to be at large over alleged conspiracy and theft at Alade, Idanre, on July 10, 2026. The items were reportedly owned by one Taiwo Solomon.

The police prosecutor, ASP Folasade Adesuyi, told the court that the defendant and his alleged accomplices committed the offences at about 4pm on the said date.

The charges, bordering on conspiracy to steal and stealing, were brought under relevant provisions of the Criminal Code applicable in Ondo State. The defendant pleaded not guilty.

Furthermore, an investigating police officer told the court that efforts were ongoing to apprehend other suspects linked to the alleged theft, adding that Dele was suspected of being involved in the operation.

However, the defendant denied the allegation, claiming that he was only implicated in the case. He said a phone and SIM card were found in his vehicle and that he had used them without knowing that they were connected to the alleged crime.

In his defense, Dele’s counsel, C.O. Falana, urged the court to admit his client to bail on liberal terms, while the prosecution requested an adjournment to enable it to call its witnesses.

In his ruling, Magistrate T.G. Alphonso granted the defendant bail of N20 million with two sureties in like sum, directing that one of the sureties must own a residential property within the court’s jurisdiction. The case was adjourned until September 28, 2026, for further hearing.