A Nakuru court has directed police to investigate claims by a suspect found in possession of narcotic that officers who arrested him stole Sh32,470 from him.
Principal Magistrate Bernard Mararo further directed the suspect- Eric Oduor, said to be a son of a policeman, to make a formal report about the theft at Bondeni Police Station.
“The suspect is to proceed to the police officer commanding Bondeni Police Station (OCS) to give more direction on the matter,” directed magistrate Mararo.
Mr. Mararo also ordered investigations into claims that the police stole Oduor’s mobile phone in the execution of the arrest.
The direction was made yesterday after the accused complained to court that he was harassed and robed by the police.
The investigative officer (IO) Eric Ouma gave his sworn testimony denying the claim by the accused person.
Mr. Ouma said that the police only recovered Sh. 2,470 from the accused which is in their possession as exhibit.
“The suspect was unable to operate the mobile phone he had and we also prefer charges of being in possession of a stolen property against the accused,” claimed the IO.
The accused however claimed that he had two mobile phones and the police snatched both of them.
After the prosecution prayed to court to allow the suspect to take plea, he was charged with three counts.
The accused was alleged to have been found in possession of 20 rolls of bhang valued at Sh. 400 on May 3 at Bondeni area in Nakuru County.
He was also charged with trafficking drugs.
“The accused was found trafficking and selling four sachets of heroin amounting to Sh. 800,” read the second charge.
For the mobile phone make Tecno Seven he was found with, Oduor was charged with possession of properties presumed to have been stolen.
Oduor denied all counts and pleaded with the court to release him on bond. He then asked the prosecution to supply him with copy of charge sheet and witness statements.
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Magistrate Mararo noted that the accused was alleged to have been trafficking drugs and that made him a slight flight risk.
“The accused may be released on a surety bond of Sh. 50,000 or an alternative cash bail of Sh. 30,000. He is also to be supplied with copies of charge sheet and witness statements,” ruled Mararo.
The case will be mentioned on May 16 and be heard on July 16.
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