20th May, 2011
The police at Lion Building Division Campbell Street, Lagos Island, Lagos southwest Nigeria, have arraigned a tricycle rider, Shina Oladele, before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a 1-count charge of stealing a Bajaj tricycle with registration number QZ824EPE valued N380,000
The incident occurred on 28 April, 2011 at about 21:55 hours along Bamgbose Street, Osodi Bus Stop, Lagos Island.
The police alleged that the accused stole the tricycle on the pretence that it was stolen where he abandoned it to go and buy fuel.
The accused, according to the police, allegedly claimed to the owner of the tricycle, Mr. Afolabi Obi Sesan, saying that he parked the machine and went to buy fuel, but when he came back the following day, he could not find it where he parked it.
But when he was asked why he did not report the incident to the owner, who lives nearby or take the tricycle to his house, and why it took him 24 hours to buy fuel, he could not give a satisfactory answer.
The owner was said to have reported the matter to the police who then arrested him and charged him on a one-count charge of stealing, an offence which, according to the prosecuting police officer, Corporal Moriamo Bello, is punishable under Section 390(8) (b) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 17 vol. ii, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the magistrate, Mrs. O. I. Oguntade, granted him bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety. She adjourned the matter till 8 June, 2011.
The accused was ordered remanded in prison custody when he could not meet the bail conditions.
— Paul Iyoghojie