4 Docked Over Theft Of MTN Property

The Police at Ikoyi Division, Ikoyi, Lagos, southwest Nigeria, have arrested and arraigned three men and a lady before the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court on a three-count charge to commit felony, to wit stealing MTN property.

The police alleged in the charge suit that the accused, a housemaid, Theresa Edun, 37, a driver, Emmanuel Charlie, 51, and two security men, Sunday Amen, 27, and Agida Michael were arrested following a complaint lodged by MTN Nigeria Limited that the accused on 23 December, 2010 at 33, Bourdillon Road, Ikoyi, Lagos stole one HP Laptop with serial number: Is 1033292 valued N290,000, one 15 inches mack book Pro 120 GB Laptop valued at N340,000 one Acer Feerari Laptop valued at N110,000, one Camel leather wallet valued at N8,000, one Mil Device valued at N30,000 and one Sony Cyber slot DSC T 7710 IMP Camera valued N49,500. The stiolen items have a total value of N827,000, property of MTN Nigeria Limited.

During interrogation, the security men allegedly told the police that they saw the housemaid leave the MTN premises with two bags, but they did not check the contents. When they were asked that as security men in charge of the premises, why they did not check the contents of the bag, they could not a give satisfactory reason.

In her own statement, the housemaid allegedly told the police that she sent the two bags, which contents she refused to disclose, to her parents in her village through a proxy.

The offences, according to the prosecutor, Sergeant Ighodalo Daniel, are punishable under Section 516, 411 and 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 32, law of Lagos State of Nigeria, 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges when it was read to them and the presiding magistrate Mrs. Badejo Okusanya granted them bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety who must show evidence of tax payment to the Lagos state government till date.

She adjourned the matter till 6 February 2012 for mention.

All the accused persons were moved to Ikoyi and Kirikiri prisons when they could not perfect their bail conditions in good time.

—Paul Iyoghojie