A Nigerian scavenger has appeared in court accused of vandalising and stealing parts of a railway track in Ibadan, amid growing concerns over infrastructure theft in the country.
The defendant, 32-year-old Alimi Saheed, was brought before the Iyaganku Chief Magistrates’ Court on Tuesday, charged with stealing E-clips from a railway line belonging to the Nigerian Railway Corporation. The items were said to be worth ₦500,000 (around $330).
Prosecutor Inspector Samuel Owolabi alleged the incident took place on 11 August at the Akobo Oju-Irin railway track in Ibadan. Saheed pleaded not guilty.
Magistrate G.T. Oladele granted him bail of ₦200,000 with two sureties of the same sum, and adjourned proceedings to 10 September.
The case underscores the challenge Nigerian authorities face in curbing the theft of public infrastructure. Vandalism of rail lines, power installations and pipelines has long hindered the country’s efforts to modernise its transport and energy sectors.
