Hamilton was arraigned on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy and stealing. He pleaded not guilty to the charges. The prosecutor, Aigbedion Obarkpalor, told the court that the accused with others at large, committed the crime between December, 2013 and April, 2014 at Zeenab Foods Limited, on Benin-Sapele road. Obarkpalor explained that the accused, a former manager with the said company, unlawfully converted the sum of N485, 000 meant for the purchase of production materials to his personal use. He also said that the offences were punishable under Sections 516, 390 (7) and (9) and 390 (6) and (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 48 Vol. II Laws of defunct Bendel State of Nigeria, 1976, as applicable in Edo. However, the Chief Magistrate, Mr. F. O. Idiake, gave the convict an option of fine of N300, 000.]]>