A 19-year-old man, John Akwaji, who allegedly stole his neighbour’s N1,100, was on Wednesday released on N50,000 bail on the orders of a Tinubu Magistrates’ Court, Lagos.

The Magistrate, Mrs F. O. Ikobayo, who gave the ruling, also gave the accused one responsible surety in like sum as part of the bail condition.

She said the surety should also provide evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State Government

Akwaji, whose address was not provided, is facing a two-count charge of unlawful entry and stealing.

Earlier, the prosecutor, ASP Richard Odigie told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 30 at Edomia Street,  Oke-Ira Nla in Ajah area of  Lagos.

He alleged that the accused unlawfully entered Mr Samson Popoola’s house at about 3. 20 a.m. and stole N1, 100.

“The accused is in the habit of entering the complainant’s room to steal but was caught when he came calling again.

“The complainant sighted him when woke up to go to the toilet, he raised alarm and the accused was apprehended, ” he said.

The offences contravened Sections 285 and 306 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).

The News Agency of Nigeria reports that Section 285 provides a three-year jail term for stealing, while Section 306 stipulates seven years imprisonment for unlawful entry.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The magistrate adjourned the case until May 5 for mention.

(NAN)