Security Guard Docked

A security guard with Demmies Delight Company, Lawanson, Lagos, Nigeria, Chukwuma Oruidu, 20, has been arraigned before a Cele Magistrate’s Court, Isolo, Lagos State on a two-count charge of burglary and stealing.

The security man who claims to have been appointed as the storekeeper of the company and also a dancer by profession was alleged to have broken into a fast food joint, Demmis Delight, and stolen N525,000 belonging to the company at its Lawanson branch on 13 December, 2010.

The accused claimed he did not know how the money disappeared in the company.

“Because I was appointed as the storekeeper, the blame was on me. The owner of the company reported me to the police who arrested and arraigned me before the court,” he explained.

He was charged with burglary and theft, offences punishable under Sections 413(1) and 390(6) of the Criminal Code, Cap. C.38, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.

Count one of the charges read: “That you, Chukwuma Oriudu on 13 December, 2010 at 5, Lawanson Road, Itire, in the Itire Magisterial District did break into the shop of Demmis Delight Company, Lawanson and stole N525,000 belonging to the company and thereby committed offences punishable under sections 413(1) and 390(6) of the Criminal Code, Cap. C.38, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2004.”

The accused pleaded not guilty and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. C.T. Ikpatt, granted him bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered each of the sureties to show evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State Government. They must also have means of livelihood.

The case has been adjourned till 9 May, 2011 for mention.

—Henrietta Ikhile