17th January, 2011
The police in Lagos have arrested a cook, Celestine Etim Emmanuel, for allegedly breaking into the private room of his boss to steal N250,000, three laptops valued at N246,000 and a set of jewelry valued at N5 million, belonging to Bashir Olawale Fakorede.
The incident happened at VGC Estate, Ajah, Lagos, South West Nigeria.
The police alleged that the suspect broke into the apartment of his boss to steal the items when he travelled abroad with his family.
The suspect, it was learnt, sent a text a message to his boss after committing the crime that he should not bother to look for him as he had got what he came to Lagos to look for and that God would bless him.
The complainant reported the matter to the police and after about eight months of manhunt, the suspect was arrested at his residence, 4, Bantandju Street, Ikorodu.
In his confessional statement to the police, the suspect admitted stealing the money, laptops and jewelry, adding that he sold everything to a Hausa man at Sabo area of Yaba, Lagos.
“I used the money to buy a car, build a pure water factory at Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, but not yet completed and marry a second wife,†he confessed.
He was arraigned before the Yaba Magistrate’s Court on a six-count charge of house breaking and stealing, offences punishable under Sections 516, 390(5), 411, 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. C.17, Vol. II, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
Count five of the charge reads: “That you, Celestine Etim Emmanuel and others still at large on 11 May, 2010 did break and enter the dwelling house of one Bashir Olawale Fakorede at VGC, Ajah, Lagos and stole N250,000 cash, computer laptops, valued at N246,000 and jewelry worth N5 million.â€
The suspect pleaded not guilty to the charge and was granted bail in the sum of N1 million with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate also directed that the sureties must deposit N100,000 each with the court and show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos State government.
The matter has been adjourned till 2 February, 2011 for mention.
The defendant was remanded in prison custody when he could not perfect his bail conditions on time.
— Paul Iyoghojie
