Lagos Security guards remanded for allegedly stealing employer’s N200m property

By Paul Iyoghojie

Three security guards have been remanded in prison custody for allegedly stealing property worth N200 million from their employer’s warehouse in Lagos.

The defendants-Awosode Abiodun, 45; Arma Bittus, 50; and Imrana Idris, 28, were arrested by operatives of the Zone 2 Command, Lagos, following a petition by their employer, Otunba Idowu Soyede.

Police said the three men were entrusted with safeguarding Soyede’s warehouse located at Kilometre 25, Lekki–Epe Expressway, Ajah, but allegedly conspired to cart away valuable items after their employer travelled.

The stolen items reportedly included air-conditioner parts such as indoor and outdoor fans, compressors, condensers, armoured cables, and lighting wires, all valued at N200 million.

On his return from the trip, Soyede discovered the theft and raised an alarm when the guards were nowhere to be found.

He petitioned the Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 2, Adegoke Fayoade, who directed a special team to track down the suspects. Through intelligence gathering, the team arrested the defendants at different hideouts.

Following investigations led by ASP Eze Paul, the three men were arraigned before Chief Magistrate O.O. Olatunji at the Igbosere Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge bordering on conspiracy, stealing, and conduct likely to cause breach of the peace.

Police prosecutor, ASP Ibrahim Haruna, told the court in charge number A/91/2025 that the offences were committed in July 2025, and that the defendants betrayed the trust reposed in them by their employer. He added that their actions were contrary to Sections 411, 287(7), and 168(d) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

The defendants, however, pleaded not guilty.

Magistrate Olatunji granted them bail in the sum of N5 million each, with two sureties in like sum. They were ordered to be detained at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the perfection of their bail conditions.

The case has been adjourned to a later date for further hearing.