A 35-year-old housewife, Sarah Gideon, has been arraigned before a Kaduna Magistrate Court for allegedly attempting to steal a goat in the Narayi area of the state.

Sarah, who pleaded not guilty to the charge of theft, was accused of trying to steal the goat from the residence of one Martins Bobai in the Karji area on Tuesday.

According to the Prosecutor, Inspector Sunday Luka, the incident happened when Sarah was reportedly working on a farm close to the complainant’s home. She allegedly untied the goat tied in front of the house and was about to make away with it when a vigilant neighbour spotted her.

“The neighbour saw the accused pulling the goat and immediately raised an alarm, leading to her prompt arrest,” Luka told the court.

During police interrogation at the Barnawa Police Division, Sarah was said to have failed to provide a convincing explanation for her actions.

Inspector Luka added that the alleged offence contravenes Section 217 of the Kaduna State Penal Code Law of 2017.

Presiding over the case, Magistrate Ibrahim Emmanuel granted Sarah bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in like sum. The matter was then adjourned to August 14 for further hearing.

The case has sparked conversations in the community, with many residents calling for more vigilance to curb petty theft in neighbourhoods.