Tema, Sept. 29, GNA- Emmanuel Cudjoe Pascal, a driver and his mate, Rexford Anane Tsivnayo on Monday appeared before a Tema circuit court for stealing 600 bags of rice valued at 84 million cedis belonging to Mr John Adade Adams, a businessman.

In the dock with them was Alhaji Edward Mumuni, who is facing a charge of dishonestly receiving.

They all pleaded not guilty and were granted 100 million cedis bail each to re-appear on October eight.

One Awudu, who is alleged to be the main architect of the crime, is on the run.

Chief Inspector Mary Asunta told the court presided over by Mr Charles Asiedu that on August 10 this year, Mr Adam contracted Pascal and his assistant to load the rice from the Tema port to Kumasi. Instead they diverted the rice to the timber market in Accra and discharged them into a warehouse belonging to Mununi. After fruitless efforts to trace his goods, Mr Adam reported the matter to the police whose investigations led to the arrest of the driver and his mate.