How Sales Manager, two others allegedly stole N33.5m goods in Lagos

By Paul Iyoghojie

A sales manager, Obinna Nwonwu, has been arrested and arraigned before a Lagos Magistrate’s Court for allegedly stealing goods worth N33,547,000 belonging to his employer, Nonsman Global System Limited.

Two other men, Kingsley Onyetachi (37) and Chibike Okonio (32), were also arrested and charged alongside Nwonwu for allegedly receiving the stolen items, fully aware that they were stolen property.

According to the police, Nwonwu was entrusted with the management of his employer’s warehouse but allegedly diverted goods valued at over N33.5 million while his boss was away on a business trip.

Upon returning, the complainant discovered that a substantial portion of his stock was missing and his sales manager had vanished.

Following the discovery, the complainant petitioned the Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 2 Command, AIG Adegoke Fayoade, who ordered a manhunt for the fugitive manager. Investigators eventually arrested Nwonwu and recovered part of the stolen property.

During interrogation, he allegedly confessed to the crime and identified Onyetachi and Okonio as the receivers of the stolen items.

The defendants were arraigned before the Tinubu Magistrate’s Court, Lagos Island, on a three-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, offences contrary to and punishable under Sections 411, 287, and 328(1) of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015.

Police prosecutor, DSP Francis Igbinosa, told the court that the offences were committed on 4 September 2025 at 27, Awolowo Way, Ikeja, adding that the suspects were tracked and arrested through intelligence gathering.

The defendants pleaded not guilty to the charges. Chief Magistrate M. Owunmi granted them N10 million bail each, with two sureties in like sum. They were, however, remanded at the Ikoyi Correctional Facility pending the fulfilment of their bail conditions.

The case was adjourned to 2 December, 2025 for mention.