11th March, 2011
The police at Lion Building Division, Lagos Island, Southwest Nigeria, have arraigned a notorious burglar operating on Lagos Island before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a six-count charge of stealing.
The accused, Emiolu Awolu was arrested following complaints lodged by his victims, Mr. Tomiwa Adeniji, Olalere Asifat and Ayo. He was alleged to have broken into their office at St. Peters House on 3, Ajele Street, Lagos Island, Lagos to steal 3 HP laptops, valued at N145,000, property of Tomiwa Adeniji, a Lamobo laptop, valued at N175,000, property of Ayo and HP Compaq laptop, valued at N80,000, property of Olalere Asifat.
During interrogation, the accused confessed to the crime and identified Abdulrahmon Yusuf, Enock Otum, Oliver Okeke and Ejimofor Chinweze as receivers of the stolen goods.
Their offence is punishable under sections 516, 413 (1), 390 (9) and 427 of the Criminal Code, Cap.C. 17, Vol. 11, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.
Count six of the charges reads: ”That you, Abdulrahamon Yusuf, Enock Otum, Oliver Okeke and Ejimofor Chinweze between the months of August, October and November, 2010 in the magisterial district did receive 3 HP laptop, one Lamobo laptop and one Acer laptop No. 44205963 from one Emiolu Awolu having known that the said laptops were stolen.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Abegunde Davies, granted them bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
The magistrate also directed that one of the sureties must be a title holder and adjourned the matter.
—Paul Iyoghojie