Female sales manager allegedly carts away N8m, lands in prison

By Paul Iyoghojie

The Police at the Maroko Division, Lekki, Lagos have arrested a 29-year-old female sales manager with Auroe Diffuser Shops on Victoria Island, Lagos, Arukho Blessing Efe and charged her before a Magistrates’ court for allegedly stealing her employer’s N8,058,923.

Police alleged that Efe sold her employer’s goods as a sales manager and allegedly converted the proceeds to her use instead of remitting it to her employer.

According to police, the complainant uncovered the theft when she audited the goods in her shops and reported the matter to the divisional Police Officer, DPO in charge of Maroko Division, Lekki, Lagos who directed his crack team to fish out the accused.

After an investigation by Inspector Monday Otolor, and his team, the defendant was charged before the Igbosere Magistrates’ Court sitting at the Ebute Metta Magistrates’ Court, Oyingbo, Lagos on a two-count charge bordering on fraud and stealing.

Police counsel, Cyriacus Osuji told the Court in the charge Marked H/2024 that the defendant committed the offence between 15 July 2023 and 17 June 2024 at 8B, Samuel Manuwa Street, Victoria Island and at 40, Alexander Avenue Nakandes BL VD, Ikoyi, Lagos during working hours.

Osuji informed the court that Efe used his position as a sales manager with the complainant, sold her goods valued at N8,058, 923 and converted the proceeds to her use instead of remitting the money into her employer’s account.

He said the offences, the defendant committed were punishable under sections 337, and 287(7) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Efe, however, pleaded not guilty to the charges and the Magistrate, Mr Aka Bashorun granted her N1m bail with two sureties in like sum.

Aka Bashorun adjourned the case till 16 July 2024 for mention and ordered that the defendant be detained at the Kirikiri correctional facility, Apapa, Lagos till she perfected the bail conditions.