3rd June, 2016
The police identified the suspects as Yinka Olowokere, 50, Saheed Owolabi, 39 and Peter James, 38.
The suspects were arraigned before an Igbosere Magistrates’ Court, Lagos on a four-count charge of felony, to wit, stealing and receiving stolen cars.
Police prosecutor, Sergeant Innocent Odugbo informed the court in charge No D/31/2016 that the accused persons committed the alleged offence between September and October, 2015 in Lagos.
Odugbo told the Court that the accused persons tricked the complainant, Bridget Ofunne and collected three Honda cars, 2008 and 2004 models, all valued at N6.2m, from her to sell and refund the proceeds, but that they converted the cars to their personal use.
He further told the court that Peter James received one Honda Accord car, 2004 model, valued at N1.4m, while Saheed Owolabi received 2008 Honda Accord car valued at N4.8m knowing same to have been stolen.
Odugbo said the offences contravened sections 409,285(1)(10),and 326(1)(2)(a) of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused persons however pleaded not guilty to the alleged crime in the open court and Magistrate B.A. Sonuga admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N2m each with two sureties each in like sum.
Sonuga further directed that the sureties must deposit N100,000 each with the court registrar and adjourned the case till 30 June, 2016 for mention.
The accused persons were taken to Ikoyi Prison, Lagos pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.