7th March, 2019
The police in Lagos on Thursday arraigned a 22-year-old sales representative, Ifeanyi Ezerioha, who allegedly stole N1. 4 million from his employer and escaped from police custody.
Ezerioha, whose address was not provided, was charged before an Ogudu Magistrates’ Court on a four – count charge of conspiracy, stealing, escape from lawful custody and unlawful damage.
He, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.
According to the Prosecutor, Insp. Lucky Ihiehie, the defendant stole the sum between February 2018 and August 2018 at X-tral Value Supermarket which employed him.
Ihiehie said that the supermarket was located at Aladelola Street, Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State.
“He unlawfully converted to his personal use, the sum being proceeds from sales in the suermarket.
“He committed the offence of escape from lawful custody at Ketu Police Station on Nov. 27, 2018,” he said.
Ihiehie said that the defendant was kept in police custody over the alleged theft but he escaped with handcuffs on his hands.
He added that the defendant and some others at large willfully and unlawfully damaged the handcuffs valued at N5, 500, property of police.
The alleged offences contravene Sections 106, 287 (7), 351(1) and 411 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015 (Revised).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Section 287 (7) stipulates a seven-year jail term for stealing from one’s employer.
The Magistrate, Mrs E. Kubeinje, admitted the accused to bail in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties in like sum.
She ordered that the sureties must be gainfully employed.
She adjourned the case until March 25 for mention.