Apprentice Charged With Stealing

For allegedly stealing tyres worth N1, 442 million from his master’s store, the police have arraigned a 20-year old apprentice before an Ebute-Meta Magistrate’s Court, Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria on a one-count charge of theft.

The accused, Ekene Ogbuzuru and others now at large were alleged to have committed the offence on 23 February, 2011, at 28, Industrial Road, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos.

The prosecuting police officer, Mr. Emmanuel Ajayi said the offence is punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap.C.17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The charge reads: “That you, Ekene Ogbuzuru and others now at large on 23 February, 2011, at 28, Industrial Road, Olodi-Apapa, Lagos State, in the Lagos Magisterial District, did steal 26 pieces of various sizes of vehicle tyres, valued at N1, 442m, belonging to Cyril Obiadi and thereby committed an offence punishable under 390 (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. C.17, Vol. 2, Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.”

He pleaded not guilty to the charge and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. Kemi Doja-Ojo, granted him bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

She ordered that the sureties must show evidence of payment of tax to the Lagos State government. He must also provide evidence of means of livelihood and addresses must be verified by the court.

The case has been adjourned till 25 May, 2011 for trial.

—Paul Sanusi