9th January, 2017
A 24-year-old driver, Ope Abass, who allegedly burgled his employer’s home and carted away valuables worth N12.8 million including a car, on Monday, appeared before an Ebute Meta Chief Magistrates’ Court in Lagos.
The accused is facing a three-count charge bordering on burglary and stealing.
The Prosecutor, Insp. Julius Babatope told the court that the accused committed the offences on Dec. 25 at about 10.00 a.m. at No. 27, Adetoro Adelaja St., Magodo Estate, Lagos.
Babatope said the accused broke into the apartment of his employer, Mr Ekinodo Ifoghale, while he and the family were away on Christmas vacation in Delta and stole the valuables.
The prosecutor listed the items stolen as two plasma TV sets valued at N600,000, DStv decoder, jewelry worth N200,000 and a Toyota Avensis with registration no. AGL 734 AR valued at N12 million.
“He was arrested at Ojuelegba while attempting to sell the Toyota Avensis saloon car.”
The offences, Babatope said, contravened Sections 285 and 305 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2011.
The accused, who entered a plea of `not guilty’, claimed his employer owed him eight months salary and that was why he broke into the house.
The Magistrate, Mrs. M.O. Olajuwon admitted Abass to a bail of N200,000 with two sureties in like sum, who must show evidence of tax payment to the state government.
Further hearing in the case has been adjourned to Feb. 1.