Linus, a resident of Masaka, Nasarawa State, who is standing trial on a three-count charge of theft, forgery and attempt to commit an offence, admitted to committing the crime when she appeared before an Abuja Senior Magistrates’ Court, sitting in Karu, presided over by Senior Magistrate Oyeyipo Ademuyiwa.
She told the court that the devil lured her to forge her madam’s signature in order to withdraw money from her bank account.
The prosecutor, Sgt. Mohammed Garba, had told the court that Mrs. Elizabeth Ordia of Garki, Abuja, reported the matter at the Garki Police Station on May 10.
“The accused was employed by Mrs. Ordia on March 6, to assist with domestic chores at an agreed monthly salary of N10,000. After collecting her first month salary, she packed her belongings and left the house on April 9, in her employer’s absence. The sum of N110,000 kept in the house was missing. The complaint tried phoning her, but the mobile phone was switched off for many days.
“The complainant also discovered that her bank withdrawal slip was stolen. The bank’s branch in Mararaba called to confirm her signature on a cheque leaf seeking to withdraw N10,000. That was when the accused was arrested and handed over to the police,” Garba said.
The offences, according to the prosecutor, contravene sections 289, 304 and 80 of the Penal Code.
If convicted on all charges, the accused person risks 21 years in prison with an option of fine or both.
The accused however denied stealing N110,000 before leaving the house .
Senior Magistrate Ademuyiwa granted her bail in the sum of N200,000 and two sureties who must be civil servants not below Grade Level 8, in like sum.
The sureties, according to the magistrate, must be resident within the jurisdiction of the court.
``Their recent photographs and that of the accused person must be submitted to the court Registrar.’’
The case was adjourned to June 17 for hearing.
