The Prosecuting Counsel, Ms Uzowuru Ugonna, informed the court that Gloria Obioma of Elsalen, FHA, Lugbe Airport Road, Abuja, reported the matter at the Lugbe Police Station on May 9. Ugonna said that Gideon dishonestly stole a prepaid electricity meter with serial No 54130626390 valued N49, 311 from Lugbe Distribution Company Abuja. She said that the prepaid meter belonged to one Njoku Blessing of Goshen villa estate, FHA, Lugbe, Abuja. Ugonna also said that Gideon gave the prepaid meter to one Samuel Ayo of Mopol Quarter T junction, Nyayan. The prosecutor said the offence contravened Section 287 of the Penal Code. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 stipulates five years imprisonment for stealing but with an option of fine or both. However, Gideon pleaded not guilty to the charge. Mr Emmanuel Okoafor, counsel to Gideon, made an oral application for the bail of the suspect, citing Section 35 (5) of the 1999 Constitution. Okoafor also cited Sections 158, 162 and 165 (2) of the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act, 2015. The prosecutor did not oppose the application but she prayed the court to grant her date to open her case against the defendant. The presiding judge, Mr Garba Ogbede, in his ruling, however, ordered Gideon to produce a surety in like sum. Ogbede said the surety must be at least a grade level nine officer in the Federal Civil Service and must reside within the jurisdiction of the court. He also said that the surety should submit two recent passport photographs to the court and possess reasonable means of identification. Ogbede adjourned hearing in the case till June 14. (NAN)]]>