Usman Ayuba, aged 45, was brought before the Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court in Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday, accused of receiving stolen cartons of cigarettes valued at N300 million.
Ayuba, whose address was not provided, entered a plea of not guilty to charges of conspiracy and receiving stolen property.
According to Inspector Femi Oluwadare, the alleged incident took place on September 7, 2022, around 2:15 a.m. in the Sabo area of Ibadan. Oluwadare stated that Ayuba received 1,100 cartons of Rothmans cigarettes, knowing they were stolen from the British American Tobacco Company in Ibadan, from individuals named Franklin Mukoro, Alexander Mbachu, and Kareem Hammed.
The charges against Ayuba are in violation of Sections 516 and 427 of the Criminal Laws of Oyo State, 2000.
Magistrate Maruff Mudashiru granted Ayuba bail in the sum of N5 million with two sureties who must provide the same amount. The case was adjourned until August 20 for further proceedings.
