The suspect, who is a staff, was allegedly caught in the act by the security guard of the company.

An Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun State arraigned a 40-year-old man identified as Titus John, on Wednesday, for allegedly stealing 15 litres of diesel valued at N12,975 belonging to his employer.

The Police charged John, whose address was not provided, with stealing and breach of peace.

The Prosecutor, Insp. E.O. Adaraloye, told the court that the defendant committed the offence on March 26 at the company of his employer, IHS Mask gas line, Ijoko area in Ota.

Adaraloye said the defendant, who is a staff member, was caught in the act by the security guard of the company.

He added that the defendant was later handed over to the police when he could not explain what he wanted to do with the diesel.

He also said that the defendant conducted himself in a manner likely to cause a breach of peace by refusing to open the Mask gate for the people.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

The Magistrate, Mrs A.O.Adeyemi, granted the defendant bail for N50,000 with one surety in like sum.

Adeyemi ordered that the surety must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and be gainfully employed with evidence of tax payment to the Ogun State Government.

She adjourned the case until June 5 for further hearing.