Five men including a sexagenarian, who allegedly stole their employer’s building materials valued at N2.8 million, were on Friday brought before an Ota Magistrates’ Court in Ogun.

The accused — Komolafe Oluwaseun, 29;Ola Agboworin, 53; Bankole Sunday, 59;Akintayo Ijale, 45; and Adekunle Adesiyan, 64 — whose addresses are unknown, are facing a two-count charge of stealing and conspiracy.

Police Prosecutor Chudu Gbesi said the accused with others still at large committed the offences between 2015 and May 11 at Central South Construction Company Ltd, Ijoko near Ota.

“The accused and their accomplices absconded after the stealing the items, but unfortunately for them, they were caught by the police.“

"They entered into an agreement to pay back the money, but failed to do so.” The offences contravened Sections 319 (9) and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Ogun, 2006.

The accused, however, pleaded guilty not guilty.

The Senior Magistrate, Mr S. O. Banwo, granted bail to the accused in the sum of N2.5 million each with two sureties each in like sum. Banwo said one of the sureties must be a community leader resident within the court’s jurisdiction, while the other should be blood relation of the accused.

In addition, the sureties must provide evidence of tax payment to Ogun Government.

Further hearing has been adjourned until  July 13.