An Osogbo Magistrates’ Court has remanded a 28-year-old woman, Edun Mariam, at the Ilesa Correctional Centre over the alleged theft of underwear valued at N500,000.
Mariam was arraigned before the court on Tuesday on a one-count charge of theft.
She, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to the prosecution, the alleged offence took place at the Old Garage area of Osogbo, the Osun State capital, where the defendant was accused of stealing underwear from a shop owned by one Risikat Yusuf.
Police prosecutor Kayode Adeoye told the court that the items allegedly taken were valued at N500,000.
Although the prosecutor did not state the exact number or type of underwear involved, he told the court that the defendant unlawfully took the items from the complainant’s shop.
Adeoye said the alleged act violated Section 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
The prosecution urged the court to proceed with the case in line with the law.
After the charge was read, Mariam pleaded not guilty, indicating that she would contest the allegation during trial.
Following her plea, Magistrate Oyindamola Daramola ordered that the defendant be remanded at the Ilesa Correctional Centre pending further proceedings.
The magistrate did not consider an application for bail during Tuesday’s sitting and fixed August 28 for the commencement of hearing in the matter.
The defendant is expected to remain in custody until the next adjourned date unless the court grants her bail before then.
The case has drawn attention because of the nature of the items allegedly stolen and their reported value.
Under Nigerian law, theft is a criminal offence that involves unlawfully taking another person’s property with the intention of permanently depriving the owner of it.
A person charged with theft is presumed innocent until proven guilty by a competent court.
The prosecution has the responsibility of presenting evidence and calling witnesses to prove the allegation beyond reasonable doubt.
The defendant also has the constitutional right to defend herself, challenge the prosecution’s evidence and call witnesses if necessary.
If found guilty, punishment is determined by the provisions of the law under which the offence is charged, taking into account the circumstances of the case.
Magistrates’ courts across Nigeria regularly handle cases involving alleged theft, assault, fraud and other criminal offences. Depending on the nature of the allegation, defendants may be granted bail or remanded in a correctional facility while awaiting trial.
In recent years, security agencies have urged business owners to strengthen security around their shops and markets, including installing surveillance systems and working closely with law enforcement authorities to prevent theft and other crimes.
The Old Garage area of Osogbo is one of the city’s busiest commercial districts, with numerous shops selling clothing, food items, household goods and other products. The area attracts large numbers of traders and customers daily, making it an important business hub in the Osun State capital.
Retail theft remains a challenge for many traders, especially small business owners who often suffer financial losses when goods are stolen. Market associations and traders have repeatedly called for stronger security measures to protect businesses and discourage criminal activities.
The outcome of Mariam’s case will depend on the evidence presented by both the prosecution and the defence when the matter comes up for hearing on August 28.
Until then, the defendant will remain at the Ilesa Correctional Centre in line with the court’s order while legal proceedings continue.