The police charged Samuel Kayode, 36; Adeniran Suleiman, 43; Adetoro Sakiru, 39, and Abubakar Musa, 22, with conspiracy and theft.
The Prosecution Counsel, Insp. Olufemi Omilana told the court that the defendants allegedly conspired together to commit the act.
Omilana alleged that on May 13, at about 11:30 pm in the Mokola area of Ibadan, Samuel, Adeniran, Sakiru, and Abubakar allegedly stole three 12V1100 A.H batteries servicing the street lights.
The battery, which is worth N30, 000, he said is property of the Omitowoju Community.
He said that Gbenro Famoriyo, a ward head, reported the matter to the police.
The police also alleged that the defendants stole another motor battery worth N22, 000 property of Samuel Ogundeyi.
The offense, he said, contravenes the provisions of Section 388 and is punishable by sections 390 (4) (8) and 516 of the Criminal Code Laws of Oyo State 2000.
The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges.
The Defence Counsel, O. A. Ajayi, prayed the court to admit his client to bail in the most liberal terms.
The Magistrate, Munirat Giwa-Babalola, admitted the defendants to bail in the sum of N500, 000 each, with two sureties each in like sum.
Babalola adjourned the matter until July 18, for a hearing.