A landlord has been arraigned before an Ado Ekiti Magistrates Court for changing the key and padlocking the shop of his tenant in the other’s absence.
The 35-year-old man, Maroof Buhari, is standing trial on a two-count charge of breach of peace and stealing.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Olubu Apata, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on July 1 at Irona in Ado-Ekiti.
He alleged that the defendant, who is the landlord to the complainant, Saheed Olatunbosun, a tenant in his shop, caused a breach of peace by padlocking the shop and changing the key in his absence.
Apata also alleged that the defendant stole shoes and sandals valued at N250,000 belonging to the complainant.
He noted that the offences contravened Section 249(d) and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ekiti State, 2012.
The prosecutor asked the court for adjournment to enable him study the case file and present his witnesses.
The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His counsel, Mr Gbenga Ariyibi, urged the court to grant him bail, with a promise that he would not jump bail.
The Magistrate, Mrs Taiwo Ajibade, granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She adjourned the case until September 1 for hearing.
