Three Arraigned Over Handset Theft

The police at Orile Division, Orile Iganmu, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have arrested three suspected handbag snatchers at White Sand Market area of Orile.

The accused identified as Abiola Sulaimon, Johnson Timothy and Anayo Ajoku, were arrested, following a complaint lodged by a victim, Nkoye Storm.

The police alleged that the suspects attacked the victim and snatched one Nokia 8GB valued N80,000 from him and escaped.

They were, however, arrested at a hideout following a tip-off by members of the public.

Items recovered from them include a Nokia 6300 handset without a SIM card, Nokia 8085 with Etisalat SIM card, Samsung S3650 with Etisalat SIM card, Nokia E88 with MTN and Airtel line, suspected to have been stolen.

During interrogation, all the suspects allegedly confessed to have been snatching handsets from people.

They were charged before the Surulere Magistrate Court on a three-count charge of stealing, offence which, according to the prosecutor, is punishable under Section 516, 390(A), CC and 430 of the Criminal code, Cap. C17 vol. 2, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charge and the magistrate, Mrs. J. Ugbomoiko, granted them bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties.

The suspects were ordered detained when they could not perfect their bail conditions. The matter was adjourned.