How Policemen Sold PDP Chairman Tukur's Stolen Rams

Three former police officers were arraigned today in a Wuse Zone 2 Chief Magistrates' Court for reportedly selling three stolen rams, according to the Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Mohammed Ahmed.

The dismissed policemen were identified as Grace Antozah, 38, Yahaya Alhaji, 30, and Esther Yahaya, 32; the accused were attached to the Karu Divisional Police Headquarters in Abuja.

The three detained law and order officers assisted in selling off three rams at the Kugbo Market, Abuja, knowing that the animals were stolen.

Sgt. Mohammed Ahmed informed the court that on April 8, one Musa Tapwa reported a case of theft in connection with the matter at the Karu Police Station.

"Tapwa, a gardener attached to PDP Chairman, Alhaji Bamanga Tukur's residence at plot 155, Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, reported that three men, Dalhatu Musa, Musa Aliyu and Kalli Kadai, stole the three rams from the house.

"The three men, all of Bierra Crescent, off Ademola Adetokunbo Crescent, formed a common intention, broke into the house and stole the rams and gave them to the policemen."

The prosecutor further narrated that on April 13, the matter was transferred from the Karu Police Station to the Maitama Division Police Station for further investigation.

The former police officers are standing trial for the offence of concealing stolen property, which is contrary to Section 319 of the Penal Code.

If found guilty, the three can be punished with imprisonment up to five years, or fined, or both.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the offence.

The Chief Magistrate, Mr Anthony Ogboyi, granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 each and a reasonable surety each, residing within the jurisdiction of the court. He ordered that the sureties must have a fixed address and must deposit their passport photographs with the court registrar.

The case has been adjourned to Aug. 7 for further hearing.