A 39-year-old man has been brought before a magistrate court in Akure, Ondo State, over allegations of stealing a pregnant dog valued at half a million naira.
Court Proceedings and Charges
The defendant, identified as Joseph Raphael, was arraigned before Magistrate Damilola Sekoni. The Ondo State Police Command filed a three-count charge of stealing against him.
Police prosecutor, Adebayo Sulaiman, informed the court that Raphael, alongside others still at large, committed the offence in October 2025 at Atabioloko Street, behind Federal Girls College, Akure.
Sulaiman alleged that the stolen pregnant female dog, worth N500,000, belonged to one Bernard Monday. The charges are said to contravene Sections 390(9), 495 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap 37, Volume 1, Laws of Ondo State of Nigeria, 2006.
Bail Conditions and Adjournment
Joseph Raphael entered a plea of not guilty to the charges. His defence counsel, A. B. Ogboye, applied for his bail, promising the court that reliable sureties would be provided.
In his ruling, Magistrate Sekoni granted the defendant bail in the sum of ₦200,000. The bail conditions require two sureties for the same amount.
The court issued specific directives for the sureties which include:
- Presenting affidavits of means.
- Providing two passport photographs each of themselves and the defendant.
- Showing proof of gainful employment.
The court registrar was ordered to verify the addresses provided by the sureties. The case has been adjourned for hearing until January 16, 2026.
Legal and Social Implications
This case highlights the serious legal consequences attached to property theft in Nigeria, regardless of the nature of the property. The valuation of the dog at N500,000 places the offence in a serious category under the law.
The detailed bail conditions set by the court reflect standard judicial procedures to ensure that defendants return for trial. The case will proceed to a full hearing where the prosecution will be required to prove its allegations beyond reasonable doubt.
