19th October, 2011
The police at Maroko Police Division, Lekki Eti Osa, Lagos State, southwest Nigeria, have arraigned a 34-year-old lady, Jesica Ezievi, before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, on a three-count charge of stealing and escaping with her lover’s properties.
Also arraigned with her was the Edison Tony, a landlord at Awoyaya area of Ibeju Lekki, Lagos, for allegedly receiving and keeping the stolen items knowing same to have been stolen.
The police alleged in the charge sheet that the accused were arrested, following a complaint lodged by one Mr. Patrick Madigan, a Canadian, that his lover Jesica Eziewi has stolen his property when he left her in his residence for work.
The incident accurred on 26 August, 2011 at aparttment 105, black DIamond, Block 1 Lekki Expressway, Victoria Island, Eti Osa, Lagos State.
Following the complaint, the police swung into action and after about eight months, the woman and the receiver of the stolen items were arrested at their hideout at Ibeju Lekki, where some of the items were recovered while others had allegedly been sold by the accused.
Items allegedly stolen by the woman, according to the police include a black wallet containing a Canadian identity card, visa card of Gold Royal Bank, a Bom credit card of Bank of Montreal.
Also stolen were a visa card of UBC, executive club card, a card of Lagos State Tax Clearance, a card of Air Canada prestigious aeroplane, a card of Priority Club Worldwide, black wallet containing Pat Madigan identity card, an identity card of Esso Extra Exploration, a silver member card, and a business social security card.
Others include a Constco wholesale business member of Pat Madigan, a Continental Airlines card, province of New Found Land, a list of will and testament written by Pat Madigan, yellow card, birth certificate, national driver licence of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a statement of account, a copy of social security administration of UNO, an official stamp, two car keys, a box containing chains, US dollars, Canadian dollars and a cash of N10,000.
After investigation, the accused and her accomplice were arraigned before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court for stealing. The offence, according to the prosecutor, Supol Nicholas Anieke, are punishable under Section 516, 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 32, vol. ii, C17, laws of Lagos State of Nigeria 2003.
The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges and the presiding magistrate, Mrs. O. A. Layinka, granted them bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She thereafter adjourned the matter till 3 November.
—Paul Iyoghojie