Four individuals have been arraigned before an Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan over the alleged theft of gold valued at N27.6 million.
The defendants, Israel Mapko (60), Kabirat Nurudeen (48), Salisu Adamu (58), and Abiola Modesola (49) were charged with conspiracy, stealing, and receiving stolen goods.
They pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Akeem Akinloye, told the court that the alleged offences occurred between October 2025 and February 2026 at the Ologuneru area of Ibadan.
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He alleged that the first defendant, Mapko, fraudulently converted a 21-carat gold weighing 119.2 grams, belonging to Alhaji Kamoru Lawal, to his personal use.
According to the prosecution, Mapko was expected to deliver the gold to a buyer but failed to do so and allegedly disappeared with the item, with intent to permanently deprive the owner.
The court also heard that Nurudeen and Adamu allegedly received 15 grams of gold earrings valued at N6.9 million, while Modesola was accused of harbouring Mapko to shield him from arrest.
The offences contravene provisions of Sections 386, 390(6), 427, and 516 of the Criminal Law of Oyo State, 2000.
Chief Magistrate Mrs. Olabisi Ogunkanmi granted the defendants bail in the sum of N10 million each, with two sureties in like sum.
The court ruled that one surety must be a landed property owner, while the other must be a blood relative of each defendant.
The case was adjourned until June 5, 2026, for hearing.
