Four Suspects Arraigned Over Stolen N1.5m Generator Parts in Ibadan

In a major blow to essential infrastructure at Nigeria’s premier teaching hospital, four men have appeared before a Grade A Customary Court in Mapo, Ibadan, over the alleged theft of critical equipment belonging to the University College Hospital (UCH).

The suspects—identified as Adebayo Azeez (55), Sola Otolorin (46), Lekan Solademi (32), and Habeeb Adebayo (30)—stand accused of stripping the hospital’s power supply system of spare parts valued at N1.5 million.

According to the prosecution, the theft occurred on the evening of January 24, 2026, around 7:20 p.m. at Ogunlesi Hall within the UCH complex.

The defendants allegedly conspired to cart away various generator spare parts, a move that could have severely crippled the hospital’s ability to maintain power during outages—a life-or-death necessity for surgical theaters and intensive care units.

The four men pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of:

• Conspiracy
• Stealing

Inspector Ayodele Ayeni, the prosecutor, noted that these offences contravene Sections 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Laws of Oyo State, 2000.

While the court has allowed for temporary freedom, the price is steep. The Court President, Mrs. S.M. Akintayo, granted each defendant bail in the sum of N500,000 with two reliable sureties in like sum.

However, the suspects aren’t walking free just yet. The court has mandated that:

• Sureties must provide verifiable evidence of tax payment to the Oyo State Government.
• The defendants are to be remanded in custody until their bail conditions are fully met.

The case has been adjourned until February 18, 2026, when the full trial is expected to commence.