The duo are facing a two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing.

They pleaded not guilty to the offences when the charge was read to them.

The magistrate, Ijeoma Ngene, released them on N200,000 bail with sureties.

Ms Ngene said the sureties must reside within the court’s jurisdiction and without questionable character.

Counsel to the defendants, Sunday Agara, had urged the magistrate to grant them bail on liberal terms.

Mr Agara assured the court that the defendants would always be present in court when needed.

“I am assuring the court that the defendants will not abscond. I will make sure they are present in court whenever they are needed,” he said.

The police prosecutor, Insp Enyinnaya Njoku, told the court that the accused committed the offences on January 29 at First Patriot Company Limited, Ikwo LGA.

Mr Njoku alleged that the accused stole some lead materials valued at N300,000, property of the First Patriot Company Limited in the area.

He said the offence is punishable under section 390 of the Criminal Code cap 33 Vol. 1 laws of Ebonyi state of Nigeria 2009.

The case was adjourned until February 15 for a hearing.

(NAN)